.crn 


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Duke   University   Libraries 

Supreme  Council 
Conf  Pam  #695 


f 


i 


AD  UXU'EOSI  TERIIARBI  ORBIS  ARClllTECTI  GLORIA!!, 


ORDO    AB    CHAO, 


OF    THE 

ANCIENT  AND  ACCEPTED  SCOTCS   RITE   OF   FREEIIASONRV, 

IN    AND    FOR 

THS   SOVEREIGN    AND   INDEPENDENT   STATS    OF    LOuISlANA. 

VALLEY  OF  NSV7  ORLEANS. 


NEW  ORLEANS. 


J.  II.  KEEFE  &  BRO.,  PRINTERS.  57  GRAVIER  STREET. 
1861. 


T/.  T.-.  G.-.  0.-.  T.-.  G/.  A.-,   0/,   T.\   U, 


A  RITUAL  OF  THE  ANCIENT  AND  ACCEPTED  SCOTCH  RITE  OF  FREEilASOXRV. 


FIRST    DEGREE 

ENTERED  APPRENTICE,  E.-.  A.-. 


OFFICERS, 

1st.— VENERABLE  MASTER , V.-.  M.-. 

2d.— FIRST  SURVEILLANT 1st  Surv.-. 

3a.— SECOND  SURVEILLANT 2d  Surv.-. 

4th.— ORATOR Or.-. 

5th.— SECRETARY Sec.-. 

Gth.— TREASURER Treas.-. 

7th.— MASTER  EXPERT ..M.-.  E.-. 

8th.— MASTER  OF  CEREMONIES M.-.  Cer.-. 

9th.— STANDARD  BEARER Stand.-.  B,- 

lOh.— INSIDE  SENTINEL  Ins.-.  Sent. 


«« 


FIRST  DEGREE. 


OPENING  OF  THE  LODGE. 


{The  BB'.  heing  assembled  in  the  Temple,  the  Ven.-.  31.'. 
fills  the  vacancies  of  the  absent  officers  and  gives  a  rap  ivith 
Ms  gavel  repeated  by  the  two  Surv.-.) 

Ven.  M  — BroV.  1st  iSurveillmt,  are  you  a  Free-masou? 

1st  SuRv. — My  BB.'.  recognize  me  as  such. 

Ven.  M. — What  is  your  first  duty  ? 

1st  SuiiY. — To  ascertain  whether  the  Temple  is  well 
guarded  outside. 

Ven.  M. — Please  ascertain  it,  my  brother, 

1st  SuRV. — Bro.-.  Inside  Sentinel  please  ascertain 
whether  the  Temple  is  well  guarded  outside. 

{The   Inside  Sentinel  raps /  /  /  which  is  ansivered  by 

the    Outside   Sentinel /  .'  /  — The  Inside   Sentinel  raps 

another  time !  and  the   Outside  Sentinel  anstoers / — 

Then,  ajter  having  opened  the  ivicJcet  and  being  aivare  that 
the  Lodge  mag  begin  its  works,  the  Inside  Sentinel  sags  :) 

Ins.  Sent — Bro.-.  1st  Surv.*.,  the  Temple  is  well 
guarded  outside- 

1st  SuRV.*.  repeats: — Ven.-.  M.-.,  the  Temple  is  well 
guarded  outside. 

Ven.  M. — Bro.-.  1st  Surv--.,  what  is  your  second  duty 
when  the  Lodge  opens  in  the  Apprentice's  Degree  ? 

1st  Surv. — To  ascertain  whether  the  persons  present  are 
Entered  Apprentices  and  members  of  this  Lodge- 

Ven.  M — BB-*.  1st  and  2nd  Sarveillants,  please  ascer- 
tain on  your  respective  columns  if  all  the  BB.-.  present  are 
Entered  Apprentices.  Ascertain  also  that  they  are  mem- 
bers of  this  Lodge. 

{The  1st  and  2nd  Surv.',,  in  succession  give  a  rap  ivith  their 


gaveU  saying:) — To  order!   BB/. ! 

2(]  SuRv. — {Gives  a  rap  with  his  gavel  and  sags:) — Bro.'. 
1st  Surv.-.  the  BB.-.  on  my  column  arc  Entered  Ap|)ren- 
tices;  the}'  arc  in  order-  They  arc  also  members  of  this 
Lodge. 

1st  iSuRv.—  {Gives  a  rap  7vUh  his  gavel  and  sags:) — Ven/. 
M.*.,  the  BI3.-.  on  both  cohiinn.s  arc  Kntei'ed  Apprentices; 
they  are  in  order.     They  arc  also  members  of  this   Lodge. 

Ven.  M. — The  East  is  also  in  order- 

Ven-  M — Bro-*  1st  Surv.*.,  where  docs  our  Bro-"-  2nd 
Surv-'-  sit  ill  the  Temple? 

1st  SuKV — Li  the  South- 

Yiix.  M  —  Bro/.  2ii(l  ISurv"-,  what  are  your  duties  in 
tlie  l^outh  ? 

2nd  Surv — {Giving  a  rap  tviih  his  gavel,  replies:) — To 
assist  our  BB/.  in  preserving  a  remembrance  of  the 
impressions  and  sensations  of  the  First  of  Mankind,  when 
he  saw  the  snn  in  all  its  glory  pass  the  meridian  of  the 
celestial  canopy  and  tluM-eby  learned  to  divide  the  day  anil 
its  occupations. 

Vev.M — Bro  •.  2nd  Surv.-.  where  does  our  Brother  1st 
Surv.-.  sit  in  the  Temple? 

2d  SuHv.-— In  the  West,  Ven.--  :\r.-. 

Vi;x-  M — Bro.".  1st  Surv-'.,  what  are  your  duties  in 
the  West  ? 

1st  SuKv". — To  as  ist  our  BB.  .  in  preserving  the  remem- 
brance of  the  ini[)ressions  and  sensations  which  our  First 
Parent  must  1  ave  experienced  when  he  saw  the  sun  descend 
below  the  western  horizon,  illuminating  the  sky  with  golden 
drapery,  succeeded  by  twilight  and  the  obscurity  of 
darkness,  when  all  animated  creation  seek.?  repose,  thereby 


learning  of  God's  design  in  giving  us  n  period  for  medita- 
tion and  rest. 

Yes.  M. — I3ro.'.  1st  Surveillant,  where  does  the  Ven.*. 
Master  sit  in  the  Temple? 

1st  Suav — In  the  East,  Venerable  Master. 

Ven.  M. — What  are  his  duties,  there,  Brother  1st 
Surveillant? 

1st  ISuRV — To  instruct  our  Fraternity  in  preserving  a 
remembrance  of  the  divine  instruction  given  to  our  First 
Parent  wl-en  he  saw  the  sun  appear  again  in  the  East, 
teaching  him  the  importance  of  measuring  time,  and  of 
impr  Dying  it  wilh  useful  works  and  researches. 

Ven.  M. —  Bro.-.  1st  Surv.-.,  when  do  the  Entered 
Ap[)renticcs  open  their  works  ? 

1st  Surv — At  noon. 

Vex.  M- — What  time  is  it,  Bro.-.  1st  Surveillant? 

1st  Surv.— It  is  high  12. 

Ven.  M. —  Since  it  is  high  12  and  it  is- the  hour  chosen 
by  Entered  Apprentices  to  open  their  works,  please  BB.-. 
1st  and  2d  fcurv.'-,  announce  to  the  members  on  your 
respective  columns  that  it  is  my  intention  to  begin  the 
Works  of  this  R.*.  L/.  in  the  Apprentice's  Degree. 

1st  Surv. — BB.'.  on  the  northern  column,  I  inform 
you  that  the  Ven.-.  M.-.  intends  to  open  the  works  of  this 
R.'.  L.-.  in  the  x\pprentice's  Degree. 

2(1  SuKV. — BB,-.  on  the  southern  column,  I 'inform 
you  that  the  Ven/.  M.*.  intends  to  open  the  works  of  this 
R.-.  L.  .  in  the  Apprentice's  Degree.  {The  2d  Surv.-.  raps 
a  stroke  tvilh  his  gavel  and  suf/s:)  Announced !  Bro  *.  1st 
Surveillant.  / 

1st  Suuv — {Gives  a  rap  tvilh  his  gavel  and  sags:)  — 
Announced,  Ven.\  M.'. 


ViiN.  M. — [Gives  ihrce  raps  with  his  gavel  and  says:) — 
To  order ! 

To  the  G.-.  0.'.  T.-.  G--.  A.'.  0.-.  T.-.  U.-.,  under  the 
auspices  of  the  Sup/.  Council  of  the  33d  and  last 
Degree  of  the  Ancient  and  Accepted  Scotch .  Rite  of 
Freemasonry  in  and  for  the  Sovereign  and  Independent 
State  of  Louisiana,  and  b}^  virtue  of  the  powers  on  me 
conferred  by  this  R.".  L,".  [name  and  number),  I  do  declare 
its  works  opened  in  the  first  degree. 

Yen.  M. — With  me,  brethren  !  (^1//  iinite  in  giving  the 
sign  and  hattcrg  )  Take  your  seats,  the  works  of  this 
Lodge  are  open. 

Ven.  M. — Bro.'.  Secretary,  please  read  the  minutes  of 
the  last  meeting.  [The  Vcn:-  31.-. gives  a  rap  of  ihe  gavel, 
which  is  repeated  hj  both  Surv.'.  and  sags:)  Attention, 
brethren ! 

[After  the  reading,  the  Ven. \  31.'.  gives  a  rap  with  his 
gavel,  which  is  repeated  by  both  Surv.-.  and  sa?/s:) 

Ven.  M. — BB/.  1st  and  2d  Surv.-.  please  iLforni  the 
brethren  on  your  respective  columns  that  they  are  now 
invited  to  offer  remarks  concerning  the  correctness  of  the 
minutes. 

[Both  Surv.'.  repeat:) 

1st  and  2d  Surv. — Brethren  of  my  column,  you  are 
invited  to  make  remarks,  if  you  have  any,  before  the 
adoption  of  the  minutes  now  read. 

[If  the  minutes  need  correction,  the  Secretary  will  im- 
mediately proceed  to  make  them  as  directed  by  the  V.' .  M.'. 

[If  no  remarks  are  made,  the  2d  Surv.'.  raps  a  stroke  of 
his  gavel  and  sayr.) — Brother  1st  Surv.-.,  silence  prevails 
with  the  brethren  on  the  southern  column. 

1st   Surv. — [Gives  a  rap  with  his  gavel.)  Ven.-.   M.-. — 


Silence  prevails  on  both  columns- 

Ven.  M — Brother  Orator  please  give  us  your  conclusions. 

Orator. — We  conclude  the  minutes  of  the   last  meeting 
be  approved. 

Ven.    M. — With    me,    BB.'.,  for  the  adoption  of  those 


minutes. 


CLOSING. 


Ven.  M — BB.*.  Lst  and  2nd  Surv.".,  please  inform 
the  brethren  on  your  respective  columns  that  we  are  now 
prepared  to  hear  such  remarks  as  they  may  please  to  offer 
with  a  view  to  the  advancement  of  the  interests  of  the 
Order  in  general,  or  of  this  Lodge  in  particular. 
{Doth  Siirveiliants  repeat:) 

Brethren  of  my  column,  you  arc  invited  by  our  Ven.-. 
M.*.  to  present  such  suggestions  as  may  to  you  appear 
proper  for  the  advancement  of  the  interests  of  the  Order 
in  general,  or  of  this  Lodge  in  particular. 

{I/ 710  Brother  wishes  to  speak,  the  2d  Suriw  ^ivesa  rap 
with  his  gavel,  and  says:) — Brother  1st  Surv,-.,  silence 
prevails  on  the  southern  column. 

1st  Surv. — {Gives  a  rap  with  his  gavel — Ven.-.  M.--, 
silence  prevails  on  both  columns. 

(//  there  are  any  Visiting  Brethren,  the  Venerable 
says:) — BB.\  1st  and  2d  Surv.*.,  please  invite  the 
brethren  on  your  respective  columns  to  join  with  us  in  com- 
plimenting our  visiting  brethren. 

{Both  Siirveiliants  repeat:) — Brethren  of  this  Eesp.-. 
Lodge,  the  Ven---  M-*.  invites  you  to  join  with  us  in  compli- 
menting o^r  visiting  brethren. 

2d    Surv. — {Gives  a  rap  with  his  gavel  and  says:) — 


8 

Announced  !  brother  1st  Surveillnnt. 

1st  SuRV — [Gives  a  rep  v.ith  his  g<ivel  and  says:) — 
Announrcd  !  Ven*^rable  Master. 

Ven-  M. — To  onlor^  brethren  ! 

{All  rise. —  The  F.  n,-.  M.\  then  Inujl'j  I  hanks  (he  Vis'/ors 
for  their  assist  once  ;  the  members  of  the  Ledge  unite  with 
the  Ve;i.'.  Mr.  in  giving  the  sign  and  battery  as  a  eompli- 
meni  to  the  Visitors. — One  of  the  Visitors  will  acknowledge 
the  compliment,  and  then  all  present  unite  in  giving  the 
sign  and  battery.) 

Vex.  M — Brother  2d  Surv.-.,  what  is  your  nge  as  an 
Entered  Apprentice? 

2d  Surv. — Three  years,  answering  the  number  of  my 
travels  for  light,  and  symbolizing  my  ignorance  as  an 
Apprentice. 

Ven.  M. — What  time  is  allotted  for  work  to  an  Entered 
Apprentice  ? 

2d  Surv — Eight  hours  from  morning  till  mid-day,  and 
eight  hours  from  mid-day  to  ir id-night,  at  which  time  the 
hours  of  rest  begin. 

Ven.  U  —What  time  is  it  ? 

2d  Surv. — It  is  midnight. 

Ven.  M  — Since  it  is  midnight  and  it  is  the  time  chosen 
by  Entered  Apprentices  to  close  their  works,  BB.'.  1st 
and  2d  Surv.*.,  please  invite  the  brethren  on  your  respec- 
tive columns  to  assist  me  in  closing  this  Lodge  in  the 
Apprentice's  Degree. 

{The  }st  and  'Id  Surveillants  repeals-) — Brethren,  of  my 
column,  the  Ven-*.  M.-.  invites  us  to  a.ssist  him  in  closing 
the  works  of  this  R.;.  Lodge  in  the  A.p[)rentice's  Degree- 

{The  2d  Surv.'.  then  gives  a  rap  with  hi$  gavel  and 
says:) — Announced,  brother  Ut  Surveillant- 


{The  1st  Surveillant  raps  a  stroke  ivUh  his  gavel  and 
says: — Announced  !  Ven.-.  Master. 

Ven.  M. — Gives  three  raps,  repeated  bij both  Surveillants, 
and  says: — To  order,  brethren  ! 

To  the  Glory  of  the  G.-.  A/.  0/.  T.-.  U.-.,  under  the 
auspices  of  the  Supreme  Council  of  the  3od  and  last 
•Degree,  of  the  Ancient  and  Accepted  Scotch  Rite  of 
Freemasonry  in  and  for  the  Sovereign  and  Independent 
State  of  Louisiana,  and  b}'  virtue  of  the  powers  on  me 
conferred,  by  this  E/.  L;.,  {name  and  number),  I.  declare 
its  works  closed  in  the  1st  Degree. 

Ven.  M. — With  me,  brethren,  by  the  signs,  battery  and 
acclamations. 

We  will  now  retire  in  peace,  but  before  parting  w^e  w^ill 
I'enew'  our  promise  of  secrecy  regarding  all  which  has 
transpired  here, 

{All  extend  their  rigid  hand  and  arm,  pabn  djwn  and 
say:) 

— We  promise. 

INITIATION  TO  THE  FIRST  DEGREE. 


The  Secretary  w^ill  rise  and  proclaim,  after  receiving  an 
intimation  from  the  Ven.-.  M.*.  to  thai:  eflect,  as  follows : 
The  following  named  gentlemen,  (giving  their  names,) 
having  been  duly  presented  and  successfully  balloted  by 
this  Lodge,  are  in  attendance  awaiting  an  initiation. 

TiiK  Treasurer- — The  candidates  named  by  our  Rro-*. 
Secretary  have  our  I'eceipt  in  full  for  initiation  fees,  in 
accordance  with  the  by-laws  of  this  Lodge. 

Ven.   M. — Such  being  the  case,  we  will  proceed  to  the 


10 

initiation.  Master  Expert,  you  will  see  that  the  candidates 
are  properly  prepared  for  our  presence. 

*'  Master  Expert  leaves  the  Lodge  in  due  form." 

PREPARATION  OF  THE  CANDIDATE. 


The  candidate  will  be  brought  to  the  Outside  Sentinel 
rooms,  (the  anti-chamber,)  by  the  brother  presenting  him. 
The  Master  Expert  having  a  black  veil  over  his  face  will 
approsich  the  candidate,  tap  him  on  the  shoulder  and  say; 
— "  I  am  your  guide,  follow  me-" — He  leads  him  aside, 
blindfolds  him  thoroughly,  conducts  him  around  the 
anti-chamber,  and,  if  possible,  out  of  doors  around  the 
Lodge  buildings. 

On  returning  he  will  divest  tho  candidate  of  his  coat, 
vest,  watch,  money,  knife,  keys  and  all  metallic  substance 
which  he  may  have  about  him;  his*  loft  arm,  breast  and  leg 
to  the  knee  must  be  uncovered;  he  may  wear  a  slpper  on 
his  left  foot. 

Thus  prepared,  the  Exfcrtwill  introduce  the  candidate 
to  the  chamber  of  reflection,  and  seat  him  at  a  table  pre- 
pared for  the  purpose. — Relieving  his  e3''es  from  the  bandnge 
he  will  place  before  him  a  paper,'in  the  form  of  a  tiiangle, 
upon  V7hich  must  be  written  the  following  questions  ; 

1st.  What  does  man  owe  to  God? 

2d.  What  does  he  owe  to  himself? 

3d.  What  does  he  owe  to  his  fellow-beings  ? 

4tb,  What  does  he  owe  to  his  country? 

5th.  Make  your  last  \vill  and  testament,  (briefly). 

This  room  must  be  a  small  closet  without  other  openings 
than  the  door — ceiling  and  walls  painted  or  hung  in  black. 
It  must  be  a  receptacle  for  every  insignia  of  death- — It  will 


11 

contain  a  small  deal  table  and  stool. — The  room  will  be 
lighted  by  a  dim  taper — Upon  the  table  will  be  placed  an 
inkstand,  a  pen,  a  cup  of  water,  a  piece  of  stale  bread,  and 
a  human  skull.  At  one  end  of  the  table  will  stand  a 
mounted  human  skeleton. — At  the  opposite  side,  upon  the 
floor,  will  be  a  coffin.  The  candidate  will  be  seated  with 
his  back  to  the  door-  The  Expert  will  explain  to  the  can- 
didate that  he  is  now  in  a  proper  place  for  silent  meditation 
and  self-examination,  and  that  he  will  leave  him  alone  for  a 
short  time  in  order  that  he  may  the  better  answer  the 
questions  propounded.  The  candidate  will  write  his 
answers  in  a  legible  manner  and  affix  thereto  his  signature. 

OPENING  OF  THE  INITIATION, 


Ven,  M, — Bro.',-  Master  of  Ceremonies,  you  will  please 
report  if  there  are  any  visitors  in  the  hall,  and  bring  us  a 
list  of  their  names,  surnames,  with  their  degrees,  and  the 
Lodge  and  jurisdiction  to  which  they  severally  belong- 

The  M.-,  C.-.  will  bring  in  the  "Visitors'  Register"  and 
present  it  to  the  V.-.  M,*, — The  visitors  will  be  disposed  of 
according  to  Masonic  usages.  A  visitor  whose  standing  is 
not  vouched  for  by  a  Bro.-,  known  to  the  Lodge  must  be 
examined  by  a  committee  appointed  by  the  V.*.  M.-. 

Visitors  are  introduced  by  the  M.'.  C.\  in  the  order  of 
their  degrees,  beginning  with  the  1st.  A  gracefuL saluta- 
tion will  be  extended  to  them  by  the  Ven.',  Master,  and 
the  M,*.  C-".  will  show  them  seats  according  to  the  regalia 
with  which  they  may  be  clothed- 

A  single  rap  from  the  gavel  of  the  V.'.  M-"-  repeated 
by  the  Assistants,  calls  up  the  roder  of  Exercises. 

Ven.  M — Brethren,  we  are  about  to  initiate  to   the  1st 


12 

degree  of  Freemasonry  the  following  named  gentlemen,  or 

]Mr All  the  required  forms  have  been  observed  in  their 

presentation,  the  ballot  has  been  passed  for  each  and  has 
on  every  ccoasion  been  clear- 

Now  if  any  one  has  objections  to  oder  they  are  invited 
to  speak  freely. 

The  Lodge  shall  duly  examine  such  objections  f  s  may 
be  oflered,  and  shall  direct  that  the  candidate  be  either 
received,  rejected,  or  that  h;s  initiation  be  deferred  for 
further  consideration-  No  objections  being  presented  the 
V-'.  M-".  will  proceed  with  the  initiation. 

Ven,  M — As  }'ou  think  we  may  now  safely  proceed 
with  the  initiation,  let  us  unite  in  giving  the  sign  of 
adhesion. 

Ven-  M. — Brother  Expert  will  please  bring  ns  the  result 
of  the  candidate's  visit  to  the  Chamber  of  Reflection. 

Brother  Expert  brings  in  the  papers,  hands  them  to  the 
M.-.  C.-.,  who  takes  them  to  the  East.  The  Yen.'.  M/,  will 
read  the  answers  in  an  audible  voice. 

Ven.  M — You  will  see  if  the  candidates  are  properly 
prepared  to  enter  this  Lodge-  Tell  them  that  the  ordeal 
through  which  they  will  have  to  pass  is  of  a  solemn  and 
serious  nature,  and  that  we  expect  from  them  due  attention, 
courage  and  care  in  order  th.it  he  may  avoid  stumbling  in 
his  way,  and  successfully  reach  the  summit  of  the  mount 
from  which  he  is  to  discover  the  light  in  search  of  which 
he  has  come;  put  a  cable  tow  around  his  neck  and  lead  him 
to  our  door. 

The  Expert  will  cause  the  candidate  to  knock  violently 
at  the  door. 

The  Inside  Guardian  who  has  had  a  care  to  keep  the 
wicket  opened,  cries  out  in  a  terrified  voice- — Brother   1st 


13  ' 

Surveillant,  there  is  an  alarm  at  the  door. 

1st  Sdrv — Ven.-.  M.'.,  there  is  an  alarm  at  our  door. 

Ven.  M. — Enquire,  Bro.--,  and  see  Avho  is  the  daring 
and  imprudent  man  who  comes  at  this  dread  hour  to  disturb 
our  works  and  mysteries- 

1st  Sdrv — Goes  to  the  wicket  and  calls  out: — Who  is 
the  rash  man  who  comes  at  this  dread  hour  to  dirturb  our 
works  and  mysteries  ? 

Bro.  Expert — It  is  a  candidate  who  desires  admission 
to  the  venerable  and  secret  society  of  Freemasons. 

1st  SuRV— Ven.-.  M.-.,  it  is  a  candidate  who  desires  ad. 
mission  to  the  venerable  and  secret  society  of  Freemasons. 

Ven.  M. — (Giving  a  heavy  rap  with  his  gavel.) — BB.-. 
let  us  rise  and  unsheath  our  swords,  there  is  a  stranger  at 
the  door. 

All  rise  and  unsheath  their  swords,  so  as  to  be  distinctly 
heard  by  the  candidate. 

Ven.  M. — What  means  this  unexpected  call,  and  what  is 
your  design  ? 

Bro.  Expert. — To  crave  at  your  hand,  the  initiation  of 
the  candidate  to  our  ancient  mysteries. 

Ven.  M. — By  what  right  does  h©  expect  to  obtain 
that  favor  ? 

Bro.  Expert — By  being  a  man  free  born,  of  competent 
age,  and  under  the  tongue  of  good  report. 

Ven.  M — What  is  his  name  ? 


«' 

i( 

age? 

(.' 

"• 

religion  ? 

(( 

ii 

civil  status  ?  (married  or  unmarried.) 

(( 

li 

profession  ? 

« 

u 

native  country? 

(I 

11 

present  domicil  ? 

14 

The  responses  must  be  taken  note  of  by   the    Secretary. 

Ven.  M. — Let  hioi  enter. 

The  Inside  Sentinel  awkwardly  slams  open  both  folds  of 
the  door;  the  brethren  present  make  with  their  gavels  or 
other  instruments,  a  rustling  noise  like  carpenters  at  work 
in  their  shops-  The  M.*.  E--.  seizes  the  candidate  by  the 
nape  of  his  neck,  holding  him  by  the  left  arm,  leads  him 
around  the  Lodge,  carefully  conducting  him  over  such  ob- 
stacles as  may  be  placed  in  his  way,  conducts  him  on  the 
false  ladder,  makes  him  jump  down,  takes  him  to  the  altar 
where  the  M.-.  C*.  pricks  him  slightly  Avith  the  point  of  the 
compasses  on  his  bare  breast 

Ven.  M. — Stransrer  or  Mr. ,  what  do  you  see?  what 

do  you  feel  ? 

The  candidate  answers- 

Ven.  M. — The  partial  state  of  nakedness  in  "which  all 
must  be  introduced  to  our  mysteries,,  constitutes  the  first 
symbolical  lesson,  and  personifies  the  primal  stale  of  man 
after  his  creation.  Although  surrounded  with  every 
element  of  comfort,  he  found  himself  with  no  other  re- 
sourdce  than  that  of  his  bodily  strength  and  powers,  which 
he  did  not  know  how  to  use,  in  consequence  of  his  primi- 
tive ignorance.  This  is  symbolized  by  the  darkness  to 
which  you  Imve  submitted  yourself.  In  that  helpless  con- 
dition he  must  have  been  a  ])rey  to  great  anxiety,  and  his 
loneliness  and  feebleness  must  have  been  oppressive- 

The  puncture  which  you  have  felt  on  your  bare  breast,  is 
the  symbol  of  those  first  sufferings  of  his  mind,  and  of  the 
loneliness  which  overshadowed  his  heart  The  future  and 
the  object  of  his  creation  were  inexpliccble,  and  a  source 
of  great  uneasiness.  Many  an  idea,  no  doubt,  arose  in  his 
mind   suggesting   what   he   might   do   to  make   his    way 


15 

through  the  immensity  which  had  suddenly  enrolled  itself 
before  him,  in  all  the  brilliant  glory  of  the  universe  of  the 
New  Creation,  but  \vant  of  experience  led  him  to  uncertain 
views,  and  he  found  him-self  a  slave,  and  bound  down  by 
his  own  perplexities  in  the  abode  of  liberty  which  is  sym- 
bolized by  the  cord,  w'hich  appears  to  restrain  you  of  the 
free  use  of  your  limbs,  and  keeps  you  defenceless  in  the 
hands  of  .an  unknown  guide-  In  a  word,  your  condition  is 
intended  to  impress  upon  your  mind  the  circunstance  at- 
tending the  introduction  of  man  upon  earth,  his  entrance  to 
a  new  and  untried  existence,  with  a  world  to  conquer  and 
subdue,  So  with  you — You  enter  upon  this  new 
world,  naked,  blind,  helpless,  and  chaos  appears  to  reign 
supreme.  Let  your  mind  seek  foi  light,  truth  and 
liberty  in  this  new  world,  and  it  will  surely  come  to  you- 
'    We  will  proceed. 

Is  it  of  your  oavu  free  will  and  accord,  unactuated  by 
motives  of  curiosity  or  self-aggrandisement,  that  you  have 
asked  to  be  initiated  to  the  mysteries  of  this  Ancient 
Institution. 

Candidate. — Yes. 

V£N.    M. — It   behooves   you    then    to  give  heed  to  the 
difficulties  which  will  beset  you  on  every  side.     The    path 
of  life  is    strewed  with  care  and  disappointment.     Every 
step    in  knowledge,   which    Icids    to  light,  calls  for  labor 
So   here,   your   every   step  will  be  attended  with  fatigues, 
difficulties  and  trials,  not  to  say  dangers,  which  will  call  for 
the   exercise    of  patient  endurance    on   your  part,  accom- 
panied by  a  persevering  effort  and  presence  of  mind- 
Are  you  ready,  calmly  and  steadily  to   encounter  them  ? 
Candi  date- — Yes. 
Ven-  M. — It  being  so,  we  now  leave  you  for  a  short  time 


16 

•to  commune  with  your  own  thoughts.  Bro-*.  Expert,  take 
Mr to  the  rough  stone- 

The  Bro.'.  Expert  lakes  the  candidate  just  without  the 
door  and  causes  him  to  sit  upon  the  rough  Ashlar,  returns 
to  the  Lodge  leaving  the  door  njiir  that  the  candidate  may 
overhear  what  is  said. 

Feiaucd  objections  are  now  raised  with  reference  to 
the  candidate's  initiation,  cither  by  the  introduction  of  a 
letter  of  accusation,  or  by  causing  a  brother,  whose  voice  is 
unknown  to  the  candidate  to  impugn  his  motives- 

A  discussion  arises  thereon. 

Ven-  M — Bro--.  Expert,  please  bring  the  candidate  into 
our  presence. 

When  near  the  altar  the  Ven.'.  M-*.  says: 

Ven.  M» — Mr It  appears  from  what  we  have  heard 

that  like  many  a  stranger  to  Freemasonry  you  have  for 
some  time  entertained  erroneous  notions  concerning  the  in- 
stitution. Like  all  institutions,  whether  sacred  or  profane, 
it  has  not  escaped  the  tongue  of  envy,  jealousy  and  all 
uncharitableness.  It  bas  been  said  by  thoughtless  persons 
that  our  mysteries  are  but  as  childish  plnys,.-.that  we  meet 
for  the  purpose  of  passing  our  leisure  hours,  in  the  revels 
of  the  banqueting  hall,  and  that  the  tendency  of  the  insti- 
tution and  the  observance  of  its  obligations  and  precepts, 
is  to  make  us  forgetful  and  nec;lii'ent  of  the  duties  and 
love  we  owe  to  our  families,  and  that  we  even  propagate 
pernicious  doctrines  in  matters  of  religion  and  politics. 
^Vithout  assuming  to  ourselves  perfection  in  all  things,  we 
sincerely  believe  that  you  will  soon  discover  that  we  are 
not  ametable  to  these  accusations;  that  they  are  unfounded 
and  proceed  from  the  envious  and  malicious. 

On  the  contrary  it  is  chief  among  our  aims  to  attain  to  a 


17 

true  knowledge  of  our  duties  to  our  God,  to  our  country, 
and  to  our  fellow-men- 

Now  if  you  have  been  prompted  to  approach  our  portals 
and  to  ask  for  initiation  to  the  Ancient  Mysteries  of  Free- 
masonry with  no  more  praiseworthy  motives  than  the 
gratification  of  a  vain  and  idle  curiosity,  regardless  of  the 
consequences  of  imposing  upon  our  kind  indulgence,  we 
would  most  earnestly  advise  you  to  withdraw,  reminding 
you  that  in  so  doing,  your  trials  will  probably  terminate  in 
u.  manner  quite  diflere'nt  from  what  you  may  have  been  led 
to  expect. 

Has  the  judgment  of  this  Lodge  been  guided  by  wisdom 
and-  prudence,  when  a  few  moments  since,  its  members 
exercised  so  much  of  confidence  in' your  honor  and  upright- 
ness as  to  overlook  the  errors  attributed  to  you  ?  Can  we 
rely  upon  the  earnestness  of  your  determination  to  become 
a  faithful,  honorable,  upright  Freemason,  true  to  your  God, 
to  your  country,  and  to  your  fellow-men  ? 

Candidate — Yes. 

Ven.  M  — Bro-'.  Expert,  let  Mr. take  a  scat  upon 

the  bench  of  probation,  while  we  devote  ourselves  to  the 
solemn  meditations  incident  to  the  groat  work  before  us- 

A  few  moments  of  perfect  silence  prevail 

Ven.  M. — BB.-.,  let  us  rise  and  pray. 

Almighty  Creator  and  Father  of  the  Universe,  we  hum- 
bly bow  our  heads  before  Thee,  acknowledging  thine 
omnipotence  and  confessing  our  manifold  weakness-  Con- 
tain our  hearts  and  minds,  keep  them  Avithin  the  bounds  of 
equity,  and  be  our  light  and  guide  in  the  path  of  Justice- 
Thou  art  one  in  all  thy  eternal'  perfeclions  and  self- 
distinctions-     All  powerful,  all  wise,  all   love.  Thou  livest 

by  thyself  and  every  being  is  indebted  to  Thee   for   exis- 

3 


18 

tence ;  lor  we  all  live  and  move  in  Tlico.  Although 
invisible  to  all,  Thou  sccst  and  rulest  all.  Pray,  then, 
receive  our  adoration  and  vows.  Protect  and  bless  these 
peace  workers  who  are  here  assembled  in  thy  name,  for  the 
holy  purpose  of  strengthening  their  minds  against  the 
suggestions  of  evil,  of  entertaining  their  hearts  with  the 
love  of  virtue,  of  learning  how  to  rule  according  to  Thy 
views  and  wishes,  the  passions  with  which  Thou  hast 
endowed  them.  We  also  beseech  Thee  in  behalf  of  the 
stranger  who  desires  to  be  initiated  in  our  doctrines  and 
mysteries.  They  lead  to  all  that  is  true,  beautiful  and 
useful.  May  he  with  Thy  aid  prove  himself  worthy  of  the 
sublime  order  of  Freemasonry  of  which  Thou  art  the 
bountiful  guide  and  master- 

Ven.    M. — In  whom  do  you  trust? 

Candidate. — In  God. 

Ven.  M. — To  trust  in  God  is  an  act  of  belief,  and  whereas 
belief  is  necessarily  based  upon  the  feeling  or  reason,  which 
determines  it,  we  have  to  ask  you  this  further  question  : — 
Why  do  you  believe  in  God  ? 

After  the  candidate  has  answered  as  he  may,  the  Ven.*. 
M.-.  proceeds  : 

We  believe  that  amidst  the  stupendous  works  of  nature 
with  which  man  found  himself  surrounded  at  his  first 
appearance  upon  earth,  an  inspiration  from  above  informed 
him  of  his  physical  and  mental  powers,  placing  him  at  the 
head  of  all  animated  creation,  and  that  on  viewing  the 
splendor  of  the  heavens  above  and  the  wonders  of  the  earth 
beneath,  he  saw  the  handiwork  of  an  Infinite,  all  wise  and 
all  beneficent  Being,  calling  for  his  unbounded  adoration 
and  praise  as  the  author  and  creator  of  all  things — Believing 
himself  to  be  the  imago  and  direct  heir  of  his  heavenly 


19 

Father.  During  the  e.irlier  generations  of  mankind,  this 
active  inspiration  of  the  human  heart  existed  in  its  greatest 
purity,  giving  to  the  soul  of  man  exalted  notions  of  infinite 
intelligence  and  of  his  immortality,  leading  him  to  a  com- 
fortable and  ennobling  communion  through  nature  up  to 
nature's  God. 

In  subsequent  ages  man's  heart  become  subject  to  evil 
passions,  and  his  great  source  of  comfort  and  of  intelligence 
was  obscured  by  the  appalling  darkness  of  all  evil,  and 
Paganism  with  its  attendant  degrading  slavery  succeeded  to 
the  knowledge  of  the  true  God,  and  man  was  not  far 
removed  from  the  beast  of  the  forest. 

In  all  ages,  however,  wc  find  that  there  were  a  few  wise 
and  righteous  men-  who  strove  with  all  their  power  to  stem 
the  mighty  torrent  of  ignorance  nnd  of  mentil  and  political 
degradation.  They  had  to  contend  against  the  mightiest  for 
evil,  among  the  religious  and  civil  institutions  of  their  time 
We  find  these  wise  men  uniting  in  secret  societies  for  the 
acquisition  of  strength  for  the  preservation. of  a  knowledge 
of  the  true  God,  for  the  restoration  of  man  to  his  original, 
political  and  mental  liberty  and  dignity  of  character.  By 
the  blessings  of  God  they  were  powerfully  instrumental  in 
raising  man  to  the  high  position  in  which  we  now  find  him. 
We,  as  direct  successors  of  those  learned  and  philosophi- 
cal societies,  have  a  great  work  to  do  in  the  careful 
preservation  of  the  wisdom  and  virtues  of  those  great  and 
learned  founders  of  our  ancient  and    honorable   institution. 

Mr will  you  please  to  tell  us    what  you  understand 

by  the  term  Vi'-tue  ? 

The  candidate  gives  his  views  thereon. 
Vex.  M. — In  the  same  manner  as  there  is  in  the  universe 
a  physical  light  which  spreads  its  rays  over  the  wonders  of 


20 

cretition,  in  order  that  man  may  see,  admire,  and  avail 
himself  of  them,  so  is  there  in  every  man  an  inward  and 
intellectual  light  which  difluses  itself  in  his  mind,  and  shows 
him  what  he  owes  to  God,  to  himself  and  to  his  fellow- 
beings. 

A  continued  and  sincere  obedience  to  that  inward  inspi- 
ration is  what  we  call  Virtue,  because  it  depends  on  us 
either  to  exercise  or  to  refuse  that  obedience,  and  we  can 
not  lay  claim  to  those  divine  qualities  which  distinguish 
man  from  all  created  beings,  without  a  judicious  and  active 
exercise  of  rcnson  in  guiding  us  in  our  selection  of  good 
from  evil. 

Virtue  is,  therefore,  that  energy  and  tendency  of  the 
mind  and  feelings,  which  determines  us  in  doing  that  which 
is  good,  beautiful  and  true- 

Mr, will  you   tell  us  what  you  understand  by  the 

term  Vic  c- 

Candidate. — Gives  his  views  upon  the  subject. 

Ven.  M-^ — Vice  in  our  estimation  is  the  reverse  of  Virtue, 
and  results  from  a  perverted  judgment  in  the  exercise  of  our 
power  of  selection,  and  leads  us  to  adopt  the  evil  rather 
than  the  good.  We  consider  that  man  to  be  vicious,  who 
instead  of  obeying  the  inward  light  or  inspiration,  which 
prompts  him  to  all  that  is  good,  beautiful  and  true,  gradually 
falls  into  an  inclination  to  abuse  his  sensual  powers  and 
suppress  his  moral  instinct  without  considering  what  is  due 
to  God,  to  himself  and  to  mankind.  • 

These  three  subjects,  the  ideas  concerning  God,  Virtue 
and  Vice,  are  at  the  foundation  of  the  purest  philosophy, 
comprise  the  whole  of  its  moral  teachings,  and  are  suscep- 
tible of  infinite  development. 

We  had  briefly  to  examine  them  with  you,  as  preparatory 


21 

to  your  initiation,  for  we  can  receive  no  one  without  being 
well  satisfied  that  his  mind  and  heart  are  in  a  proper  state 
gradually  to  attain  to  a  participation  in  our  mysteries  and 
purposes.  Know  then  the  statutes  and  regulations  of  our 
society. 

1st.,  You  will  be  bound  to  secrecy  regarding  all  that  you 
may,  at  any  time,  see,  hear  and  discover  among  us. 

2d.  It  will  be  your  duty  to  fraternize  with  all  regular 
Freemasons  throughout  the  world,  and  to  help,  according 
to  the  best  of  your  knowledge  and  ability,  all  these  among 
them  who  may  need  your  advice  or  services  in  consequence 
of  misfortune,  sickness,  persecution  or  other  adversity. 

3d.  You  will  have  to  do  all  in  your  power  to  propagate 
among  your  acquaintances  and  in  the  world  at  large,  the 
doctrines  and  principles  of  our  Order,  with  a  viev,-  to  con- 
tribute to  the  Glory  of  the  Grand  Architect  of  the  Universe, 
and  to  secure  the  [jrogress  of  mankind  in  attaining  to  a 
larger  and  safer  liberty  both  in  Religion  and  Politics. 

4th.  "Vou  will  have  to  obey  not  only  the  by-laws  of  this 
Lodge,  but  also  the  general  statutes  of  the  Ancient  and 
Accepted  Scotch  Rite  of  Freemasonry,  and  the  general  re- 
gulations of  the  Supreme  Council  of  that  Rire  in  ;ind  ftv 
the  Sovereign  and  Independent  State  of  Louisiana. 

Being  now  blindfolded  you  may  hesitate  in  taking  the 
required  obligations,  but  we  may  assure  you  that  in  no 
particular  will  3''ou  find  them  at  variance  with  your  duties 
and  obligations  as  a  good  man,  a  gocd  son,  a  good  fiither.  a 
good  brother,  a  good  husband,  a  good  friend,  and  a  good 
citizen.  „,^ 

Are  you  roady  to  take  the  obligations? 

Candiltae. — Yes. 

Ven.   M  — {raps,)    Rise,  brethren,  and    unsheath  your 


22 

n 

swords  and  be  witnesses  of  this  solemu  declaration. 

Bro  •.  Expert,   please  lead  Mr. to   the  altar.      The 

candidate  will  place  his  right  hand  upon  the  compasses  and 
book, .and  will  repeat  after  Ven.;.  M,'.,  as  follows  : 

Obligation. — In  presence  of  the  Grand  Architect  of  the 
Universe,,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Supreme  Council  of  the 
Ancient  and  Accepted  Scotch  Rite  of  Freemasonry 
in  and  for  the  Sovereign  and  Independent  State  of  Louisiana, 
and  in  presence  of  this  assemblage  of  Frccmasors  of  the 
same  Rite,  I,  {surname  and  name,)  of  my  own  free  will 
and  accord  do  solemnly,  and  on  my  word  of  honor,  promise 
always  to  hale  and  never  to  reveal  any  part  of  the  secrets 
and  mysteries' of  Freemasonry  which  may  hereafter  be 
intrusted  to  mc,  and  never  to  speak  of  theim  except  to  a 
brother,  or  in  a  regularly  constituted  Lodge  of  the  Rite ; 
and  I  would  rather  have  my  throat  cut  across  and  my 
tongue  torn  out  by  the  roots,  than  to  be  untrue  to  this  my 
promise. 

Ven.  M. — God  help  you  in  preserving  your  promise  in- 
violate, and  save  you  from  that  remorse  of  conscience 
which  invariably  attends,  a  breach  of  honor  and  confidence. 
The  consequences  of  a  violation  of  this  obligation  will 
follov;  you  like  a  weird  phantom  of  darkness  to  your  life's 
end. 

Come  up  now,  and  partake  of  the  cup  from  which  we 
have  all  ^Jrank  on  the  day  of  our  initiation,  and  have  no 
fears,  for  it  is  one  of  the  most  important  and  instructive 
trials  through  which  we  have  to  pass. 

The  Ven.'.  M-*.  resmnes  his  seat-  The  Expert  leads  the 
candidate  to  the  throne,  and  makes  him  taste  of  the  bitter 
cup  prepared  for  the  occasion,  and  returns  with  him  to  a 
seat  behind  the  altar. 


23 

Ven.  M. — This  bitter  draught  is  symbolical  of  disap- 
pointments to  which  man  is  subject  throughout  his  course  of 
life-  However  richly,  endowed  with  mental  and  phj^sical 
powers,  disappointment  surely  awaits  us,  and  we  are  op- 
pressed by  the  overthrow  of  our  most  sanguine  expectations. 

The  extremity  of  joy  sometimes  leads  us  to  the  abyss 
of  sorrow,  and  when  we  least  expect  it  the  most  joyous 
laughter  will  be  turned  to  bitter  tears.  It  behooves  us  then 
to  be  at  all  times  prepared  to  withstand  disappointment 
under  whatever  form  it  may  appear. 

You  have  now  several  voyages  to  «accomplish,  are  you 
prepared  ? 

Candidate. — Yes, 

Ven.  M.-— Guide  this  candidate  on  his  first  voynge. 

The  Expert  seizes  the  candidate  by  the  left  arm,  and 
with  his  right  hand  tukes  him  b}^  the  unpe  of  his  neck,  and 
makes  him  travel  from  South  to  East,  from  East  to  West 
and  from  West  to  South,  three  times-  Obstacles  will  be 
frequently  placed  in  his  path,  and  the  brethren  will  make  a 
noise,  like  carpenters  at  work,  by  hammering  and  poundino-. 
At  the  conclusion  of  the  voyage  the  Expert  takes  the 
candidate  to  the  'id  Surv.-.,  makes  him  rap  with  his  rio-bt 
hand,  three  times,  upon  the  left  shoulder  of  the  2d  Surv.-. 

The  2d  Surv,-.  places  his  left  haiid  upon  the  candidate's 
right  shoulder  and  strikes  him  slightly  with  his  gavel  upon 
the  bare  breast,  and  says  ; 

2d    Suiiv- — Who  comes  here  ? 

Expert — A  candidate  who  w^ishes  to  be  initiated  in  our 
mysteries. 

2d  Surv. — By  what  right  does  he  expect  to  attain  that 
favor  ? 

Expert — By    being   a   man,   free    born,  and  under  the 


24  ^ 

tongue  of  good  report-  ■'' 

2(1  SuRV  — Who  is  to  answer  for  him  ? 

Expert. — I,  his  conductor. 

2d  SuRV. — It  being  so,  let  him  pass. 

The   Expert  conducts  liim   to  his  seat  behind  the  altar. 

2d  SuRV. — Ven.*.  M.".,  the  first  voyage  is  accomplished. 

Ven.  M. — Mr. what  have  you   observed,  heard  and 

felt  during  this  voyage? 

Candidate. — Answero  as  he  deems  proper. 

Ven.  M. — This  voyage  is  indicative  of  the  confusion 
which  prevails  in  men's  mind  on  entering  a  new  stage  of 
existence,  or  upon  a  new  subject  of  thought  and  investiga- 
tion. Such  is  the  position  of  a  candidate  here-  He  is 
entering  anew  world  of  thought,  which  will  open  up  to  him 
scenes  both  strange  and  new ;  unforeseen  obstacles  and 
remarkable  phenomena  will  beset  man's  first  steps  in  every 
new  field  of  investigation,  and  his  condition  is  likened  to 
that  of  man  when  first  placed  upon  earth,  alone  and  un- 
assisted, he  was  left  to  grope  his  way  amid  the  darkness  of 
the  first  night,  his  keen  senses  oppressed  and  overwhelmed 
with  the  alarming  phenomena  which  appeared  on  every 
side.  In  this  lone  and  dark  condition  his  soul  must  have 
longed  for  knowledge  and  for  light,  and  the  future  must 
have  been  for  him  a  subject  of  exceeding  anxiety.  Your 
position  is  intended  to  inculcate  the  weakness  of  man, 
when  alone  and  unassisted  by  light  and  knowledge 
he  can  scarcely  expect  to  surmount  the  obstacles,  and  to 
progress  Avithout  recourse  to  that  great  source  of  light  and 
of  knowledge,  union  and  fellowship,  Avith  minds  engaged 
in  the  same  pursuits-  ^fivery  step  in  knowledge  gives  us 
glimpses  of  undiscovered  fields,  shows  man  his  own 
weakness,  and  brings  him  to  a  more  patient  and  respectful 


<•  25 

consideration  of  the  claims  due  to  his  fellow-beings. 

You  will  now  proceed  upon  your  second  voyage-  Are 
you  ready  ? 

Candidate — Yes. 

Ven.  M. — Bro.-.  Expert,  please  accompany  Mr. on 

his  second  voyage. 

The  Expert  takes  the  candidate  by  his  right  arm,  con- 
ducts him  around  the  Lodge,  three  times,  from  North  to 
East,  from  East  to  South,  from  South  to  West,  and  each 
time  he  passes,  he  dips  the  candidate's  left  hand  and  arm 
into  a  basin  of  cold  water  standing  near  the  door  and  the 
1st  Surveillant. 

The  BB.-.  present  make  a  noise  with  their  swords  as  if 
engaged  in  combat  or  sword  exercise. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  voyage,  the  Expert  causes  the 
candidate  to  rap  three  times  with  his  right  hand  upon  the  left 
shoulder  of  the  1st  Surveillant.  The  1st  Surv.".  places  his 
left  hand  upon  the  right  shoulder  of  the  candidate,  striking 
liim  slightly  upon  the  bare  breast  wath  his  gavel,  and  says: 

1st  SuRV — Who  comes  here  ? 

Expert — A  candidate  who  wishes  to  be  initiated  in  our 
mysteries. 

1st  SuRV.-. — By  what  right  does  he  expect  to  obtain 
that  favor  ? 

Expert — By  being  a  man,  free  born,  and  iin(Jev  the 
tongue  of  good  report 

1st  SuRv. — Who  is  to  answer  for  him  ? 

Expert — I,  his  conductor.  ^ 

1st  SuRV. — It  being  so,  let  him  pass. 

Candidate  resumes  his  position  behind  the  altar . 

Ist'SuRV. — Ven.-.,  the  second  voyage  is  agoo  mplished. 


26  ^ 

Vex.  M — Mr Avhat  have  you  observed,  heard    and 

felt  during  this  voyage  ? 

Candidate. — Answers  as  he  thinks  proper. 

Ven.  M — This  voyage  is  a  symbol  of  the  contentions  in 
man's  heart  for  the  supremacy  of  the  good  and  evil  prin- 
ciples, teaching  him  ihat  the  character  of  the  predominating 
principle  within  him  is  determined  by  his  own  will  and 
choice,  each  carrying  with  it  its  own  immediate  conse- 
quences ;  that  good  actions  lead  to  cheerful  content,  and 
that  the  prevalence  of  evil  passions  leads  to  bitter  remorse. 
Our  Supreme  Architect  and  Grand  Master,  knowing  man's 
weakness  both  in  flesh  and  in  spirit,  and  his  tendency  to 
depart  from  the  paths  of  rectitude,  taught  him  that  his 
heart  could  bo  purified  from  its  unclcanness  by  sincere  re- 
pentance, and  this  idea  is  renewed  and  strengthened  in  our 
minds  by  the  symbol  of  water,  in  the  manner  you  have 
just  experienced. 

In  the  hands  of  the  Almight}^,  water  has  ever  been  an 
instrument  for  effecting  change  in  the  physical  condition  of 
the  earth,  the  rolling  surges  of  the  sea,  the  rushing  moun- 
tain torrents,  the  gurgling  brook,  and  the  gentle  shower,  are 
each  effective  in  producing  change.  As  the  Summer 
shower  purifies  the  atmosphere  and  gives  freshness  and 
renewed  energy  to  animal  and  vegetable  life,  making  all 
nature  rejoice  in  purity,  so  with  the  repentant  tear  over 
the  corruptions  of  man's  heart,  it  restores  him  to  purity 
with  his  maker  and  with  himself.  Humanity  is  weak  and 
not  always  well  prepared  to  withstand  temptation;  hence  it 
becomes  us  to  extend  an  ample  charity  to  the  moral 
and  intellectual  *weaHfesses  of  our  brethren,  whilst  our 
voices  should  be  raised  in  stern  denunciation  of  conduct, 
unbecoming   a  true  Scotch  Freemason  and  a  gentleman- 


27 

There  is,  perhaps,  no  truer  saying  than  that  a  man  is 
known  by  the  company  he  keeps.  History  and  tradition 
I  teach  us  that  the  institution  of  Scotch  Freemasonry  has 
ever  been  distinguished  for  its  ennobling  and  chastening  in- 
fluence over  the  human  heart-  We  conceive  that  a  true 
Freemasonic  union  is  conducive  to  the  highest  degree  of 
strength  in  the  moral  and  intellectual  world.  In  union  we 
seek  strength. 

The  two  voyages  which  you  have  accomplished,  are 
called ;  the  first,  the  trial  of  Earth,  the  second,  the  trial  of 
Water.  There  now  remains  one  other,  called  the  trial  of 
Fire, 

Are  you  ready  to  undertake  it  ? 

Candidate. — Yes- 

Ven.  M. — Bro.'.  Expert,  please  guide  Mr through 

the  third  voyage. 

The  Expert,  standing  on  the  left  of  the  candidate,  takes 
him  by  the  nape  of  his  neck,  conducts  him  around  the 
Lodge,  three  times,  from  North  to  West,  to  South  and  East. 
Three  brethren  will  be  stationed,  one  at  the  North-east,  one 
at  South-west,  and  one  at  the  South-east  with  an  apparatus 
for  flashing  chiropodium  or  other  inflamable  substance,  and 
each  time  the  candidate  passes  they  will  cause  a  flash  before 
his  face.  The  apparatus  is  shaped  somewhat  like  a  tobacco 
pipe,  having  a  tube  some  four  feet  in  length,  and  in  the 
bowl  a  taper  is  so  placed  that  the  seed  may  be  blown  up  to 
the  flame- 

When  the  candidate  arrives  for  the  last  time  at  the  East 
the  Expert  will  make  him  rap  thr|l  times  with  his  right 
hand  upon  the  left  shoulder  of  the  Ven/.  M--.,  w^ho  taps 
the  candidate  with  his  gavel  on  his  bare  breast,  and  says  : 

Ven,  M, — Who  comes  here? 


28 

Expert. — A  candidate  who  wishes  to  be  initiated  in  our 
mysteries. 

Ven.  M. — By  what  right  does  he  expect  to  obtain  that 
favor  ? 

Expert — By  being  a  man  of  mature  age,  free  born,  and 
under  the  tongue  of  good  report. 

Ven.  M  — Who  is  to  answer  for  him  ? 

Expert. — I,  his  conductor. 

Yen.   M. — It  being  so,  let  him  pass. 

Candidate  resumes  his  place  behind  the  altar,  and  the 
1st  Surv.*.  gives  a  rap- 
ist SuRV. — Ven.-.  M--.,  the  third  voyage  is  accomplished. 

Ven.  M. — Mr, what  have  you  observed,  heard  and 

felt  during  this  voyage  ? 

Candidate  answers. 

Ven.  M. — In  the  Ancient  Phylosophies,  Fire  was  con- 
sidered strikingly  emblematic  of  life  renewed,  and  was  an 
important  symbol  in  the  ancient  mysteries-  Jt  being  an 
effective  agent  in  resolving  matter  into  its  elements,  sepa- 
rating the  pure  from  the  worthless  dross,  so  in  the  moral 
and  intellectual  world,  the  power  of  resolving  and  separating 
the  pure  from  the  impure,  the  good  from  the  evil,  has  been 
symbolized  by  fire.  It  has  ever  been  the  high  aim  of  this 
ancient  institution  to  keep  this  fire  burning  fresh  in  man's 
heart,  that  at  the  last  day  he  may  rise,  like  the  fabled 
Phoenix,  pure  part  from  the  ashes  of  corruption.  With  the 
Ancients,  Earth,  Water,  Fire  and  Air  were  considered  as 
sacred  elements,  and  candidates  to  mystic  knowledge  and 
light  were  obliged  to  p^ss  through  trials  of  each-  Succeed- 
ing generations  have,  in  a  measure,  modified  those  trials 
and  entirely  omitted  the  trial  of  Air.  The  candidate 
had  to  pass  through  long  dark  labyrinth,  over  dead  men's 


*  29  * 

bones  and  other  terrifying  symbols  of  earth — this  the  irial 
of  Earth'  He  then  arrived  at  an  abyss  of  dark  waters 
resounding  with  the  roar  of  mighty  and  unseen  cataracts. 
He  had  to  sv/im  across  this  abyss,  and  in  this  was  the  trial 
of  Water.  Then  suddenly  appeared  to  the  candidate  .'i  long 
avenue  of  crackling,  real  flame,  through  whicli  he  had  to 
pass  and  this  the  trial  of  Fire- 

The  wise  men  of  the  East  deemed  these  rigid  tests  of 
•  moral  and  physical  strength  to  be  essential  to  the  advance- 
ment of  man  in  knowledge,  and  for  admittance  to  the  sacred 
Rites  and  Ceremonies.  The  perversion  of  the  true  objects 
of  the  institution  of  Freemasonry  in  the  latter  days,  by 
the  adoption  of  the  English  Rite,  wherein  Masonry  has 
been  made  subservient  to  religious  and  political  creeds, 
calls  for  strong  and  determined  men,  who  will  rally  around 
the  ancient  landmarks,  and  rescue  our  venerable  institution 
from  the  innovations  and  corruptions  of  men,  who  for 
ulterior  purposes  have  divested  the  institution  of  almost 
every  trace  of  its  ancient  grandeur.  Notwithstanding  the 
modifications  Avhich  have  been  introduced  in  the  severity  of 
the  trials  to  which  candidates  are  subjected,  we  can  safely 
say  that  no  consequent  weakness  has  been  observed  in  the 
tie  which  binds  the  brotherhood  in  the  Ancient  and 
Accepted  Scotch  Rite,  nor  has  any  diminution  occurred  in 
their  high  sense  of  honor  and  of  duty  to  God  and  man. 

Invoking  the  names  of  those  wise  and  great  men,  who 
have  given  us  the  most  perfect  of  human  institutions,  we 
ask  you  if  you  are  prepared  to  become  their  true  disciple 
in  the  defence  of  Truth,  Liberty  and  Justice,  even  to  the 
exposure  of  your  own  libert;g,and  life?  • 

Candidate — Yes, 

Vbn.  M. — Such  being  your  resolution,  you  must  give  us 


_      •  30 

assurance  of  your  determination  in  a  m^iiner  more  cogent 
than  by  mere  words,  even  to  the  sealing  of  your  averment 
by  your  own  blood.     Are  you  ready? 

Candidate — Yes. 

Ven.  M — From  which  part  of  your  body  shall  blood  be 
drawn  ? 

Candidate  answers. 

Ven.  M. — Our  Bro.-.  Surgeon,  the  sacrificer,  will  attend 
that  the  operation  be  skillfully  performed. 

This  trial  should  be  omitted  unless  it  can  be  performed 
with  skill.  It  is  performed  exactly'  as  a  ^lurgeon  prepares 
his  patient  for  bleeding,  the  object  being  to  make  the  can- 
didate believe  that  he  has  been  bled,  without  drawing 
blood.  A  cord  is  passed  around  the  arm  above  the  elbow, 
and  the  vein  raised  full — A  slight  scratch  conveys  the  idea 
of  a  cut,  and  the  (lowing  of  the  blood  must  be  imitated  by 
the  trickling  of  water  from  a  tube,  close  the  supposed 
wound. 

Ven.  M — This  free  shedding  of  3''our  blood  is  a  symbol 
of  selfsacrjfice  of  individuol  interests  and  considerations, 
to  the  welfare  and  honor  of  the  Fraternity,  you  arc  about 
entering,  in  sustaining  the  cause  of  truth  and  of  justice,  and 
is  indicative  of  tlie  universality  and  intimacy  of  the  tie 
which  binds  all  true  Masons  in  the  bonds    of  brotherhood. 

Difference  of  nationality  and  Lingu.'ige  has  been  no 
barrier  to  a  recognition  of  our  brethren;  for,  our  predeces- 
sors established  words  and  signs,  which  have  been  adopted 
throughout  the  earth.  At  a  later  period  cowans,  eaves- 
droppers and  bad  men  have  in  part  divulged  some  of  our 
secret  moaes  of  recogiiition,  sqj^hat  a  new  and  infaUible 
sign  had  to  be  adopted-  This  sign  will  remain  with  you 
throughout  life,  and  be  easily  recognized  by  Freemasons  in 


•  31  ^ 

•:# 
all  places,  and  should  you  ever  be  untrue  to  your  Masonic 

vows,  it  will  corrode  clean  to  your  heart  and  prove  to  be  a 
stigma  rather  than  an  honorable  distinction.  This  hiero- 
glyphic is  indelibly  impressed  upim  the  candidate's  left  breast 
with  a  hot  iron,  without  inflicting  a  serious  wound.  Are 
you  ready  to  receive  this  honorable  mark  of  distinction? 

Candidate. — Yes. 

Ven.  M. — Bro.'.  Sacrificer,  please  exercise  your  skill 
and  care. 

The  trial  of  the  mark  must  be  conducted  with  skill.  A 
pan  of  burning  coals  will  be  brought  near  the  candidate,  and 
a  brother  will  imitate  the  heating  of  a  branding  iron.  The 
Expert  will  take  a  burning  candle,  extinguish  the  flame, 
and  immediately  press  the  heated  wick  end  upon  the  can- 
didate's breast  as  in  the  act  of  branding. 

Ven.  M — The  method  of  teaching  by  s3^mbols  is  very 
ancient,  and  has  received  the  sanction  of  the  wisest  and 
best  men.  The  symbols  we  have  given  you,  arc  full  of 
instruction,  and  we  have  deemed  it  proper  to  allude  to  them 
only  in  general  terms,  merely  designing  to  introduce  you  to 
a  new  field  of  stud}^  and  of  thought,  believing  that  you 
will  find  your  advantage  iu  giving  heed  thereto. 

The  institution  of  Freemasonry  has  ever  been  the  deposi- 
tory of  liberal  principles  in  regard  to  matters  of  govern- 
ment and  of  rohgion,  and  a  staunch  advocate  of  the  rights 
and  liberties  of  the  people.  It  has,  hence,  occurred  that  it 
has  frequently  come  in  conflict  with  despotic  government 
and  with  autocratic  priestcraft,  and  has  been  unscrupulously 
persecuted  by  them-  Even  at  this, day  it  is  viewed  with 
great  disfavor  by  those  p(|^ers  as  interfering  with  what 
they  arc  pleased  to  call  their  divine  prerogatives. 

We,   in  the   United    States  of  America,  are  not  exempt 


from  the  specious  presumptions  of  despotism,  and  it  be- 
hooves us  to  preserve  untarnished  the  armor  of  our 
ancestors,  that  by  the  strength  of  our  union  we  may  the 
better  defend  the  liberties  of  the  people. 

Wc  now  pass  to  another  of  our  most  important  obliga- 
tions, that  of  Charity. 

Ancient  and  Accepted  Scotcli  Masonry  has  no  ambition 
to  be  considered  a  charllahle  institufim  in  the  modern 
acceptation  of  that  term.  In  that  regard  we  are  widely 
different  from  those  secret  associations  whose  claim  to 
public  consideration  is  in  the  assistance  they  render  to  the 
unfortunate  poor.  However  laudable  alms  giving  may  be, 
we  are  not  prepared  to  accept  it  with  them  as  a  full  and 
complete  exercise  of  all  our  duties  as  conveyed  in  the 
word  Charity. 

Alms  giving  is  not  the  full  scope  of  Charity  as  taught  in 
the  old  Freemasonic  schools  of  Philosophy.  The  greatest 
of  the  divine  virtues  given  to  man  is  Charity.  It  is  that 
great  vital  principle  of  Fraternity,  of  Equality,  and  of 
Liberty  which  prompts  a  man  to  love  his  neighbor  as  him- 
self— It  is  humble,  retiring,  hath  I'.o  shadow  of  envy, 
hatred,  or  malice — it  is  that  love  to  mankind  which  prompts 
us  to  rush  to  the  rescue  of  our  brethren  in  adversity  as 
well  as  to  rejoice  with  them  in  their  prosperity.  In  brief, 
this  is  the  substance  of  all  our  teachings,  and  all  else  is  but 
subsidiary. 

Bro.-.  Expert,  please  conduct  the  candidate  through  the 
dark  vault.  Explain  to  him  its  secrets,  and  take  him  to 
the  place  where  you  first  received  him. 

The  Expert  takes  him  out  and  causes  him  to  walk  about, 
until  called  for  the  ceremonies  of  St-  John  the  Baptist's 
head. 


^  83  ^ 

table  with  its  platter,  ax,  and  linen  will  be  placed 
near  the  door.  All  lights  extinguished  except  from  the 
three  tripods,  arranged  triangularly  around  the  table-  A 
brother  Avill  be  placed  under  the  table  so  that  his  head 
«llone  will  appear  above.  The  platter  is  made  so  as  to  fit 
around  the  neck.  By  inclining  the  head  to  one  side,  and 
giving  the  face  a  cadaverous  appearance  with  powder  or 
flour  and  by  a  proper  adjustment  of  bloody  linen,  a  perfect 
resemblance  of  a  decapited  head  may  be  given.  All  the 
brethren  present  will  arrange  themselves  in  a  semi-circle 
about  the  table  facing  the  door,  with  swords  presented. 
When  the  arrangements  are  completed,  the  candidate  will 
be  introduced,  the  spirits  of  wine  in  the  tripods  lighted,  the 
swords  pointing  towards  him.  •  The  Ven.*.  M--.,  standing  by 
the  head,  gives  three  raps  with  his  gavel  in  such  a  manner 
that  the  Expert  may  let  the  bandage  drop  from  the  candi- 
date's eyes  at  the  last  rap. 

Ven.  M  — This,  indeed,  is  a  sad  sight !  However  horrible 
it  may  appear,  let  no  fears  arise  in  your  mint).  The  scene 
is  in  commemoration  of  the  awful  death  of  an  honest  man, 
John  the  Baptist,  who  preferred  the  torments  of  a  dun- 
geon, even  an  ignominious  death,  beheading,  rather  than 
betray  Honor,  Justice  and  Virtue-  The  records  and  tradi- 
tions of  the  past  give  no  intimation  that  John  the  Baptist 
was  a  Mason.  The  anniversary  of  his  death  occurring  in 
the  same  day  as  an  Ancient  Masonic  festival  held  in  com- 
memoration of  an  astronomical  period,  led  to  the  comming- 
ling of  the  two. 

The  remarkable  character  of  the  man  and  of  his  mission 
as  the  Forerunner  of  the  Great  Teacher  of  Fraternity,  of 
Equality,  and  of  Liberty,  and  his  adoption  of  a  mystic 
ceremony  as  a  prerequisite  to  initiation,  to  Christianity,  and 


his  honorable  self-sacrifice  to  truth,  made  his  character  and 
his  name  preefninenlly  worthy  of  commemoration  by  Free- 
masons. His  life  and  death  furnish  us  with  a  most  re- 
markable instance  of  fidelity  to  honor  and  to  truth,  and 
his  memorable  example  will  be  cherished  by  Mason» 
throughout  all  times- 

13ro.'  Expert,  you  will  please  let  the  candidate  resume 
his  clothing  and  conduct  him  blindfolded  into  the  Temple- 
(The  Expert  blindfolds  him  again  and  leads  him  out.  The 
Lodge  will  now  be  put  in  order.  The  implements  used  in 
the  trials  placed  out  of  sight.  When  called  to  order"  the 
candidate  will  be  brought  in.) 

Ven.  M. — (raps,)  BB.*,  let  us  rise  and  unsheath  our 
swords. 

Bro".  1st  Surv--.,  you  have  been  a  witness  of  the  firm- 
ness, patience,  and  attention  with  which  this  candidate  has 
passed  through  the  many  trials,  to  which  he  has  been  sub- 
jected in  accordance  with  the  customs  of  this  Ancient 
Fraternity,  and  the  will  of  this  Lodge.  Do  you  think  him 
worthy  of  being  received  among  us  ? 

1st  SuRV. — I  think  he  is. 

Ven.  jM. — (raps,)  what  do  you  ask  for  him  ? 

•1st  SuRV — Light. 

Ven.  M — ^(raps,)  What  do  you  ask  for  him  ? 

1st  8urv — Light. 

Ven.  M. — (raps,)  What  do  you  ask  for  him  ? 

1st  SuRV. — Light,  and  great  light. 

Ven.  M. — Let  there  be  light- 

The  Expert  lets  the  bandage  drop  suddenly  from  his 
eyes.  The  BB.-.  present  extend  the  points  of  their  swords 
towards  him  in  sign  of  protection- 

Ven.  M. — Fear  not  those  swords,  they  are  in  the  hands 


♦  86        • 


% 


of  friends,  devoted  brethren  who  with  the  vast  army  qi 
Freemasons  scattered  over  the  earth,  extend  to  you  the 
hand  of  protection,  of  assistance,  and  of  love. 

Bro,'.  M'-  C*.,  please  conduct  our  new  friend  to  the 
►altar,  and  we  will  constitute  Ihim  App.*.  Freemason,  and  an 
active  member  of  this  Respectable  Lodge- 

The  Ven/.  M-".  goes  to  the  altar,  extends  his  sword  over 
the  candidate's  head,  holding  a  gavel  in  his  right  hand,  and 
says  : 

"  To  the  Glory  of  the  Grand  Architect  of  the  Universe, 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Supreme  Council  of  the  33d 
Degree  of  the  Ancient  and  Accepted  Scotch  Rite  in  and 
for  the  Sovereign  and  Independent  State  of  Louisiana,  and 
by  virtue  of  the  powers  on  me  conferred  by  this  R.*.  Lodge, 
(name  and  number,)  of  the  same  Rite,  I  do  hereby  make 
and  constitute  you  an  Apprentice  Freemason  and  an  active 
member  of  this  Lodge."  ^ 

The  Ven.'.  M/.  gives,  then,  three  raps  with  his  gavel 
upon  the  blade  of  his  sword,  shakes  hands  with  the  candi- 
date, and  resumes  his  place  in  the  East. 

Ven.  M. — Bro--.  M.  ••  C'.,  please  conduct  our  new 
brother  to  the  East  for  instruction. 

The  M--.  C-'.  gives  him  a  seat  near  the  Secretary  to  the 
right  of  the  throne.  The  Ven.-.  M.'.  approaches  him  and 
addresses  him  thus  : 

Ven.  M. — As  before  remarked,  time  will  permit  us  to 
give  you  only  a  general  idea  of  the  subjects  ofl'ered  for  the 
study  of  the  Entered  Apprentice-  On  future  occasions  you 
will  have  them  more  fully  illustrated,  and  be  better  prepared 
to  understand. 

.When  you  were  taking  your  obligations,  your  right  hand 
wa6  resting  upon  compasses. 


_  36 

As  in  the  hands  of  the  Architect,  th^  compasses  enable 
hiai  to  give  those  accurate  proportions,  which  give  beauty 
and  stabihty  to  his  work,  so  here  is  it  an  important  and 
striking  symbol  of  that  even  tenor  of  deportment  and  that 
true  standard  of  rectitude,  which  should  distinguish  every 
Freemason.  "  It  is  ordained  in  the  eternal  constitution  of 
things,  that  men  of  intemperate  passions  can  not  be  free; 
they  forge  their  own  fetters."'  The  compasses  instruct  us 
in  the  duty  we  owe  to  ourselves,  teaching  us  so  to  circum- 
scribe our  passions  and  restrain  our  desires,  that  we  may 
present  a  character  just  in  all  its  ]  roportions,  marked  for 
its  beauty  and  stability.  They  are  to  us  as  the  sun,  giving 
us  light  to  govern  and  guide  ourselves 

This  room  with  its  appointments  is  a  symbtd  of  the 
universality  of  Masonry,  is  called  a  Lodge  and  represents  the 
world.  Here  we  have  the  illuminated  East,  the  North-West 
and  South  being  in  darker  colors. 

The  ceiling  represents  the  celestial  canopy. 
Our  Lodge  is  the  world,  signifying  that  in  every  clime 
the  Mason  ma}^  find  a  home,  and  in  ever}'  land  a  brother. 
We  now  invest  you  with  the  badge  of  an  Entered 
Apprentice  Mason.  When  you  enter  a  Lodge,  wear  this 
white  apron  thus — (The  Ven-'.  M/.  ties  the  apron  around 
the  Apprentice's  loins,  turning  up  the  flaps  on  the  right 
side.)  The  whiteness  of  its  color  admonishes  us  to  pre- 
serve that  blameless  Purity  of  life  and  conduct  which  alone 
can  enable  us  to  present  ourselves  in  the  consciousness  of 
Purity  before  the  Grand  Master  of  the  Universe. 

The  Ven.*.  M/.  then  presents  liim    with    a    twenty-four 
inch  gauge  and  g,  gavel,  and  says  : 

We  now  present  you  with  the  working  tools  of  the  En- 
tered Apprentices- 


37 

m 

This  gauge  is  divided  into  twenty-four  equal  parts 
emblematic  of  the  «iivisions  of  the  day  into  twenty-four 
hours,  which  being  embraced  in  three  equal  parts,  gives 
eight  hours  from  Kast  to  West  for  labor,  eight  hours  from 
South  to  West  for  the  service  of  God  and  our  worthy 
BB.'.,  and  eight  hours  from  West  to  East  for  meditation 
and  rest. 

The  gavel,  you  are  aware,  is  used  with  the  gauge  for 
adapting  and  preparing  materials  to  the  builders  use ;  so  they 
admonish  the  Entered  Apprentice  to  prepare  his  minrlfor 
the  reception  of  the  great  truths  which  are  hereafter  to  be 
unfolded  to  him,  to  lay  the  corner  stone  and  foundation  of 
his  character  in  Virtue  and  Parity,  that  the  superstructure 
may  be  alike  honorable  to  himself  and    to  the  Fraternity. 

When  you  wish  to  enter  a  Lodge,  you  will  rap  at  the 
door  thus,  (shows  him.)  On  being  admitted,  you  will  in 
advancing  to  the  altar  make  three  steps,  each  describing  a 
square  thus,  (shows  him,)  you  will  then  exhibit  the  sign, 
(shows  him.)  first  to  the  East,  then  to  Ihe  West,  then  to 
the  South,  and  take  a  seat  under  the  column  designated 
B.  Explains  the  initial  B,  gives  him  the  Sacred  Word  and 
the  manner  of  communicating  it,  and  finally  the  grip  and 
battery. 

Bro,\  C.*,,  please  conduct  Bro.-.,  (name,)  to  the  West 
that  the  1st  Surv.-.  may  examine  him  upon  the  secret 
instructions  which  we  have  given  him. 

The  1st  Surv.*.  examines  him  with  regarlto  rapping  at 
the  door,  the  step,  sign,  word  and  battery. 

1st  SuRY — Ven.*.  M.*.,  his  instructions  are  correct. 

Ven-  M. — Bro.*.  M.*.  C"-,  ycu  will  officially  proclaim  the 

initiation    of  Mr, (name.)    to    the   first   degree,  as  an 

Entered  Apprentice,  and  an    active   member  of    (name  of 


3S 

Lodge  and  uuml  cr.)  of  the  AncietftandAcceptod  Scotch  Rite. 
invitiiiL'  tlic  Fraternity  t<i  receive  him  accerdingly. 

M.-.  C/.  ti\kes  his  position  on  the  step,  in  the  East, 
holding  his  sword  in  his  right  hand,  fore  arm  extended 
horizontally,  sword  vertical,  point  np. 

I  do  hereby  proclaim  that    i\Ir. ,     iiame.)    has    been 

(July  initiated  to  the  first  degree  of  the  Ancient  and  Ac- 
cepted Scotch  Ilitc,  and  legally  constituted  an  Entered 
Apprentice  and  an  active  member  o(,  (Lodge,  name  and 
number,)  and  he  will  be  received  and   honored   accordingly. 

Ven.  M. — 1st  and  2d  Surv.*.,  please  announce  to  the 
BB/.  on  your  respective  cohr.nns  that  our  Bro,".  Orator  will 
now  favor  us  with  a  work  in  Freem.isonic  Architecture. 


Lecture  on  the  First  Degree  of  Scotcli  Free  masonry 

Q. — 13ro..-  1st  Survoillaiit,  wlmt  is  the  tie  hy  which  wo  are  united? 

A. — Freemasonry 

Q. — ^Miat  is  Freemasonry  "f 

A. — Frcemasonr}^  iseniiuently  a  philusopliioal  Institution,  I'lubracinu; 
within  its  scope  the  preservation  of  social,  p  )litic.il  an  J  ro!ii^ious  liberty, 
and  generally,  all  subjects  appertaininii;  to  the  wclfan;  of  nnn,  as  an 
intellectual  and  social  beiuLr 

Q  — Are  you  a  Freemason  'i* 

A. — My  brothers  recogize  nic  as  such. 

Q. — To  what  Kite  do  you  belong  ? 

A. — To  the  Ancient  and  Accepted  Scotch  Rite. 

Q. — What  do  you  understand  by  Rite  / 

A. — I  understand  by  thu  word  Uito,  one  of tlio  diif.M-cnt  fir  ns  tlirou;,'h 
which  Freemasonry  is  worked. 

Q. — What  do  you  understand  by  Scotcli  ? 

A. — This  word  merely  indicates  that  a  Freemason,  Ramsey  by  name, 
journeyed  from  Scotland  to  Franco,  where  ho  worked  several  degrees  of 
our  Rite,  aud  Freemasonry  in  order  to  honor  him,   called    Uu^se   degrees, 


39 

Scotch  degrees  or  Scotob.  Freemasonry. 

Q. — What  do  you  understand  by  Ancient? 

A. — I  mean  that  our  Rite,  tliough  divided  into  thirty-three  degrees  at 
a  modern  period,  may  be  traced  back  to  the  remotest  antiquit}'',  as  far  its 
doctrines  are  concerned. 

Q- — What  do  you  understand  by  Accepted  ? 

A. — I  mean  that  all  Freemasons,  seeking  in  Freemasonry  the  triumph 
of  Fraternity,  Equality  and  Liberty  among  their  fellow-beings,  must 
accept  and  work  our  Rite,  which  is,  in  all  its  degrees,  the  illustration  of 
the  principles  contained  in  these  three  words. 

Q. — Why  do  you  come  in  this  Lodge  ? 

A. — I  come  to  learn  my  rights  and  my  duties  as  man,  as  citizen  and 
mason 

Q. — Where  have  you  been  received  Freemason  ? 

A. — In  the  bosom  of  a  just  and  perfect  Lodge. 

Q. — What  is  required  to  have  a  just  and  perfect  Lodge? 

A. — It  is  governed  by  three,  lighted  by  five,  and  made  just  and  perfect 
by  seven. 

Q. — Who  arc  the  three  ? 

A. — The  Yen,-'.  M.  •.  and  the  two  Surveillants. 

Q. — Who  are^thc  five  ? 

A. — The  Yen.-.  31.-.,  the  two  Surv.  •.,  the  Orator  and  the  Secretary, 
who  are  called  the  five  lights  of  the  Lodge. 

Q. — Who  are  tlie  seven  ? 

A. — The  five  first  officers  and  the  active  members  of  tlie  Lodge. 

Q, — How  long  have  you  been  a  Freemason  ? 

A. — Since  I  received  the  light. 

Q. — How  shall  I  know  you  to  be  a  Mason  ? 

A. — By  certain  signs,  by  a  word  and  by  a  grip. 

Q  — What  are  the  signs  ? 

A. — All  right  angles,  horizontally  and  perpendicularly. 

Q. — Give  me  the  sign. 

A. — (The  sign  is  given  ) 

Q. — What  does  it  mean  ? 

A. — That  I  should  prefer  to  have  my  throat  cut  than  ever  betray  the 
cause  of  Frcomasonr}-,  and  to  fail  in  the  promises  I  have  solemnly  made 
in  presence  of  my  brethren. 

Q. — Give  the  grip  to  M.-.  Expert. 


40 

A. — (lie  gives  the  grip  to  3J.-.  Expert  wlio,  bciiie  satisliod  says  :  The 
grip  is  just  and jperfcct. ) 

Q. — Give  nic  the  word. 

A. — Yen.-.  31.-.,  I  do  not  know,  being  only  an  Apprentice  Mason,  how 
to  read,  how  to  write.  All  that  I  know  is  how  to  spell.  Give  lue  the 
first  letter  and  I  will  give  you  the  second. 

Q. — Spell  it  and  begin. 

A. — (The  word  is  then  spelled.) 

Q. — What  is  the  form  of  a  Lodge? 

A. — An  oblong  square. 

Q. — How  long?  • 

A. — From  East  t  >  West. 

Q. — How  wide  / 

A. — Between  North  and  South. 

C).— How  high  ? 

A. — From  the  surface  of  the  earth  to  the  highest  heaven.'^. 

Q. — How  deep  ? 

A. — From  the  surface  to  the  center. 

Q. — What  do  these  dimensions  mean  ? 

A. — They  arc  symbols  to  indicate  that  Freemasonry  being  an  universal 
institution,  ought  to  be  worked  in  all  countries  of  the  world. 

Q. — What  do  you  mean  by  the  word  Lodge  ?  • 

A. — The   Lodge   is   a  secret  place  where  Freemasons  meet  to  perfect 

their  works. 

Q — Why  do  Freemasons  meet  in  a  secret  place  ? 

A. — In  order  not  to  bo  disturbed  by  the  enemies  of  Fraternity, 
Equality  and  Liberty,  and  to  better  afcnni])lisli  the  great  work  of 
Freemasonry. 

Q  — What  supports  your  Lodge  ? 

A. — Three  large  columns  or  pillars. 

Q. — What  are  their  names  ? 

A. — Wisdom,  Strength  and  Beauty. 

Q.— Why  so  ? 

A. — It  is  necessary  there  should  bo  Wisdom  to  contrive.  Strength  to 
support,  and  Beauty  to  adorn  all  great  and  important  undertakings,  but 
more  especially  this  of  oars. 

Q. — How  were  you  introduced  into  the  Lodge  when  you  were  initiated? 

A. — By  three  great  and  distinct  knocks  at  the  door. 


41 

Q. — What  do  those  three  distinct  knocks  mean  ? 

A. — "  Ask  and  it  shall  be  given,  seek  and  ye  shall  find,   knock  and  it 
shall  be  opened  unto  you." 

Q. — Did  ycu  receive  what  you  asked  ? 

A, — I  have  received  the  Masonic  light,  which  I  asked. 

Q. — Did  you  find  what  you  sought  ? 

A.— I  have  found  a  society  of  Free  men,  who  are  now  my  brothers, 
and  who  promised  me  help  and  assistance  during  the  course  of  my  life. 

Q. — Did  they  open  unto  you  ? 

A. — They  have  opened  the  doors  of  a  temple  where  lies  the  Mason's 
secret  which  it  is  the  duty  of  all  Apprentice  Masons  to  deserve. 

Q. — Do  you  know  that  secret  ? 

A. — As  Apprentice  Mason,  no.  I  have  to  ascend  the  last  degree  of 
Scotch  Free  Masonrj^,  wliich  is  the  thirtieth,  and  all  that  time  I  have  to 
study  with  energy  and  perseverance. 

Q. — Plow  was  you  disposed  of,  after  your  introduction  in  this  Temple. 

H. — I  was  submitted  to  several  physical  and  moral  trials,  and  having 
sustained  them  to  the  satisfaction  of  Freemasons  present,  I  was  const  ituted 
Apprentice  Mason. 

Q. — Where  does  an  Appprentice  Mason  sit  in  the  Temple  ? 

A. — In  the  North. 

Q.-Why  ? 

A. — Because  the  darkest  part  of  the  world  being  symbolically  repre- 
sented by  the  North,  the  Apprentice  Mason  sit  temporarily  there,  with 
the  hope  of  receiving  more  light  in  the  mysteries  and  secrets  of  Free- 
masonry. 

Q. — Where  does  our  Bro.-.  2d  Surv.".  sit  in  the  Temple  ? 

A.— In  the  South,  Vcn.-.  M.-. 

Q. — What  are  his  duties  in  the  South  ? 

A. — To  assist  our  BB.-.  in  preserving  a  remembrance  of  the  impres- 
sions and  sensations  of  the  first  of  mankind,  when  he  saw  the  sun  in  all 
its  glory  pass  the  meridian  of  the  celestial  canopy,  and  thereby  learned  to 
divide  the  day  and  its  occupations. 


42 

Q. — Where  does  our  Bro.  •.  1st  Surv.-.  sit  in  the  Temple  ? 

A.— In  the  West,  Vcn.-.  M.-. 

Q. — What  arc  his  duties  in  the  West? 

A* — To  assist  our  BB.-.  in  preserving  a  remembrance  of  the  impres- 
sions and  sensations  which  our  First  Parent  must  have  experienced  when 
he  saw  the  6\in  descending  below  the  western  horizon,  illumining  the  sky 
with  golden  drapery,  succeeded  by  twilight  and  the  obscurity  of  darkness 
when  all  animated  nature  seeks  repose,  thereby  learning  of  God's  design 
in  giving  us  a  period  for  meditation  and  rest. 

Q. — Where  does  the  Yen.-.  M.-.  sit  in  the  Temple? 

A. — In  the  East,  Ven.-.  M.-. 

Q. — "^hat  are  his  duties  there  ? 

A. — To  instruct  our  Fraternity  in  preserving  a  remembrance  of  the 
divine  instruction «  given  to  our  First  Parent  when  be  saw  the  sun  appear 
again  in  the  East,  teaching  him  the  importance  of  measuring  time  and  of 
improving  it  with  useful  works  and  secrecy.  » 

Q, — What  is  your  age  as  an  Apprentice  Mason? 

A. — Three  years. 


■•'^Jl^ 


SECOND    DEGREE, 

OB 


OPENING    OF    THE    LODGE. 


The  Lodge  must  be  opened  in  the  First  Degree,  and  then 
in  the  Seoond.  The  opening  of  the  Second  Degree  is  con- 
ducted in  the  same  manner  as  the  First,  with  the  exception 
of  the  Sign  and  Battery. 

When  apprentices  are  to  be  initiated  to  this  degree,  the 
introductory  ceremonies  are  the  same  as  in  the  First  Degree; 
such  as  the  introductiou  of  visitors,  announcement  of  the 
object  of  the  meeting,  etc. 


PREPERATION   FOR  INITIATION. 


Upon  a  table,  standing  between  the  altar  and  the  door, 
the  following  named  instruments  will  be  symmetrically 
arranged  : 

One  twmty-four  inch  Guage;     One  Mallet; 
One  pair  of  Compasses;  One  Chisel; 

One  common  flat  Ruler;  ,  One  Ruler; 

One  Trestle  or  tracing  Board;    One  Square; 
One  Plumb  Line;  One  Lever; 

And  one  Trowel. 
The  candidate  must  be  divested  of  coat,  vest  and  cravat, 
wearing  slippers  instead  of  shoes,  and  have  a  cord  passed 


44 

three  times  around  his  loins,  w'lih  a  knot  in  front,  the  two 
ends  of  the  rope  hanging  to  the  ground;  the  apron  worn  as 
in  the  App.*,  Degree ;  he  will  carry  a  common  ruler  upon 
his  right  shoulder. 


INITIATION. 


i 


Ven.  M. — Bro,-  M.'.  C.-.,  please  inform  our  Bro.-.  Expert 
that  we  are  ready  to  proceed. 

{The  apprentice  gives  the  rap  of  his  degree  at  the  door. 
The  Inside  Sentinel  looks  out  at  the  xuicliet,  and  iiiforms 
the  1st  Surveillant  that  there  is  an  App: .  at  the  door.) 

1st  SuRV — {Iiaps.)Y'\  M.-.,  there  is  an  App/.  rapping 
at  the  door. 

Ven.  M. — What  are  his  wishes  ? 

1st  SuRV. — (Enquires  a?ul  sa/js: — The  apprentice  is  in 
charge  of  our  Bro.-.  Expert,  and  sa3's  that  he  has  served 
his  full  time  and  wishes  to  be  passed  to  the  Fellow  Craft 
Degree. 

Ven.  M — What  is  his  name? — His  status? — His  Masonic 
age  ? — How  does  he  expect  to  be  passed  to  the  fellow  craft 
degree  ? 

Bro.  Expert. — (Through  the  wickei. )Beciiuse  he  has 
served  his  full  time  as  an  App.*.  with  honor  to  himself  and 
to  his  profession,  and  begirs  a  good  character  for  honor  and 
probity  with  us  and  in  the  world. 

Ven.  M. — It  being  so,  let  him  enter. 

The  Expert  conducts  him  to  the  front  of  the  table,  where 
he  gives  the  App.-.  sign  and  remains  standing. 

The  Ven.-.  M.-.  interrogates  him  on  the  First  Degree  as 


45 

far  as  he  deems  proper,  and  proceeds  with 

INTRODUCTORY    REMARKS. 


The  Degree  to  which  you  are  now  about  to  be  passed  is 
particularly  to  scientific  investigations;  and  as  the  lessons 
in  the  1st  Deg.-.  were  principally  directed  to  the  moral 
culture  of  the  heart,  so  here  our  attention  is  called  to  the 
development  of  the  mind  by  an  examination  and  prolonged 
study  of  the  invariable  truths  of  science,  whereby  we  are 
enabled  to  contemplate  with  reverence  and  admiration  the 
glorious  works  of  creation,  and  attain  to  clear  ideas  of  the 
perfections  and  infinite  Wisdom  of  the  Grand  Architect  of 
the  Universe-  In  the  earlier  periods,  learning  was  for  the 
most  part  confined  to  the  Magi,  Druids,  and  Priests  of 
Egypt,  who  lived  in  lonely  habitations  and  in  caverns,  and 
devoted  themselves  to  the  study  of  sciences,  and  attained 
to  great  reputation  also  for  purity  of  morals  and  knowledge 
of  the  science  of  government. 

They  communicate  their  knowledge  only  to  the  initiated, 
and  by  the  use  of  symbols,  unintelligible  to  all  who  had  not 
received  the  sacred  rites.  Ignorance  brooded  over  the  land 
like  the  darkness  of  night,  and  could  only  be  dissipated  by 
the  gradual  diffusion  of  light  in  the  minds  prepared  to 
receive  it  The  period  of  probation  for  an  apprentice  was 
rarely  less  than  three  years,  during  which  period  he  was 
expected  to  preserve  a  clear  and  unblemished  character, 
and  to  have  devoted  himself  assidut)usly  to  the  learning  of 
his  degree-  As  knowledge  became  more  generally  dissem- 
inated, this  period  has  been  greatly  abridged,  and  is  now 
limited  only  by  the  progress  he  has  made  in  his  masonic 
instructions. 

We   are  pleased  to  notice   in  the  present  instance  the 


46 

unanimit}'  which  prevails  regarding  your  advancement  to  a 
higher  degree.  I'ou  will  have  noticed  that  iu  the  appren- 
tice's degree  the  candidate  has  three  voyages  to  perform, 
corresponding  to  the  age  he  must  attain  in  that  degree. 
So  here  you  will  have  five  voyages  to  accomplish,  indicative 
of  the  age  30U  must  attain  in  this,  before  being  raised  to 
the  Master's  Degree. 

You  will  now^commence  your  voyages. 

Bro.-.  Expert,  you  will  please  conduct  our  Bro.  •.  App.* 
on  his  first  voyage. 

Candidate  has  a  Mallet  in  his  right  hand,  Chisel  in  his 
left  hand,  passes  once  around  in  the  dircciion  Xorth,  East, 
South  and  West,  keeping  the  altar  to  the  right.  On  reach- 
ing his  position  he  will  use  the  chisel  and  mallet  upon  the 
rough  stone  or  Ashlar,  and  then  pass  the  chisel  slightly  over 
the  smooth  or  perfect  Ashlar. 

1st  SuRV — Ven.-.  M.*.."the  first  voyage  is  accomplished. 

Ven.  M. — Wo  will  resume  the  history  of  Man's  progre?,- 
sion  in  knowledge,  at  the  point  wheie  wc  closed  in  the  First 
Degree. 

The  wonderful  structure  of  the  human  body  combines 
every  element  of  physical  knowledge,  and  man's  first  lessons 
in  the  sciences  were  combined  and  wonderfully  divfded  from 
an  examination  of  his  organization,  uncjuestionably  the 
perfection  of  infinite  wisdom.  In  the  right  hand,  when 
clenched,  he  saw  a  powerful  instrument  for  persuasion,  the 
Mallet  furnished  him  by  his  Creator, — and  his  left  hand,  he 
saw  designed  for  the  skillful  management,  arrangement  and 
adjustment  of  the  object  submitted  to  the  action  of  the  right, 
and  here  he  has  the  Chisel.  Hence,  the  mallet  is  a  symbol 
of  the  strcnth  of  the  right  hand,  and  the  chisel  of  the 
skill  of  the  left.     The   human  intellect   had  now  made  its 


47 

first  step  in  progressive  knowledge,  in  tracing  cause  and 
effect.  Man  saw  that  his  hands  were  not  acted  upon  by 
involuntary  muscles — that  they  were  the  instruments  of  a 
mighty  power  within  him-  Hence,  the  adoption  of  the 
mallet  as  a  proper  symbol  of  will,  and  the  chisel  of 
discretion. 

Man  now  discovered  that  there  was  a  principle  within 
him  Avhich  placed  him  superior  to  all  animated  creation,  and 
that  all  was  created  subject  to  him  and  for  his  use ;  he  had 
an  intuitive  knowledge  that  this  principle  closely  allied  him 
to  an  infinite  creation.  To  an  extent  he  had  the  power  of 
creating;  he  could  give  new  and  varied  forms,  could  invent 
and  could  imitate,  and  his  hands  could  give  semblance  to 
his  ideas.  No  other  created  being  possessed  this  power ^ 
As  the  hands  were  the  instruments  of  this  infinite  principle, 
the  Mallet  has  been  selected  also  as  a  Symbol  of  the  Infinite 
and  the  Chisel  of  Variety. 

Knowledge  and  instruction  having  been  retained  and 
communicated  by  the  Ancients  in  symbolic  language,  we  can 
only  attain  to  a  correct  translation,  and  to  a  literal  reading, 
by  reverting  to  the  circumstances  surrounding  man  at  that 
period,  and  we  are  surprised  on  discovering  that  these 
opinions  which  seem  to  be  the  result  of  an  elaborate  study 
of  man,  and  to  belong  to  a  far  advanced  philosophy,  must 
have  been  coeval  with  man's  earliest  instructions  from  the 
great  book  of  nature.  At  that  period  the  progress  of  mind 
was  free,  and  could  pursue  its  onward  course  unobstructed . 
in  the  progress  of  ages,  formidable  obstacles  have  arisen 
and  mind  has  to  contend  with  error  and  prejudice  in  its 
search  for  light,  and  is  now  strengthened,  and  pleased  to 
trace  truth  back  through  the  obscurity  which  has  sur- 
rounded  it,  to  the   period   when  man's  readings    of  nature 


48 

were  illuminated  by  the  pure  light  from  above. 

Ven.  M. — Bro.-.  Expert,  you  will  proceed  on  the  second 
vo^'agc  with  our  Bro.-.  App.-. 

The  Ruler  in  his  left  hand,  the  Compasses  in  his  right  hand. 
Travels  in  the  same  direction  as  in  the  first  voyage,  keeping 
the  altar  at  right  hand,  and  at  conclusion  of  the  vovage  will 
lay  down  his  implements  and  imitate  the  tracing  upon  the 
Trestle  Board  of  a  horizontal  and  vertical  line,  by  placing 
the  left  hand  Hat  upon  the  board,  fingers  vertical  and 
thumb  horizontal;  and  then  describe  a  circle  with  the 
vertex  of  the  angle  as  a  centre,  by  placing  the  thumb  of  the 
right  hand  at  the  vertex  and  with  the  index  finger  describe 
a  circumference  about  the  angle. 

1st  SuRV. — Ven.".  M.*.,  the  second  voyage  is  accomplished. 

Ven.  M. — The  mechanical  organization  of  the  hand  evi- 
dently furnished  man  with  his  first  ideas  of  the  pependicu- 
lar,  and  the  right  angle  and  the  right  line,  a  very  valuable 
and  suggestive  thought  in  the  initiatory  stage  of  science,  as 
forming  the  first  step  to  man's  progress  in  all  knowledge,  to 
the  infinite  in  wisdom  and  knowledge;  hence,  the  line  and  per- 
pendicular may  be  considered  the  initial  point  or  unit  of  all 
science  or  knowledge,  the  beauty  and  perfection  of  every 
mechanical  structure  depends  primarily  upon  the  accuracy 
of  its  lines  and  perpendiculars.  The  line  conveys  the  ideas 
of  unlimited  extent,  leading  to  the  Infinite.  The  compasses 
on  the  contrary  convey  the  idea  of  limited  extent,  or  of  the 
Finite;  and  tlie  circumference  in  connection  with  the  right 
line  leads  to  ideas  which  connect  the  Infinite  with  the  Finite, 
furnishing  thought  and  incentive  to  mechanical  industr}»- 

The  Compasses  are  indicative  of  the  boundaries  set  to 
human  powers,  encompassing  the  finite  with  the  infinite, 
showing  man  that  the  extent  of  his  powers  in  comparison 


49 

with  the  All-Powerful,  is  but  as  n  drop  to  the  waters  of  the 
vast  deep,  with  the  satisfying  assurance  that  the  limits  to 
his  powers  will  be  enla^'ged,  at  each  step  in  his  progress, 
constantly  developing  objects  and  truths  of  manifold  variety 
and  interest,  leading  him  step  by  step  to  a  clearer  and  more 
intimate  knowledge  and  perception  of  the  laws  governing  the 
Universe,  and  the  attributes  of  a  Divine  Intelligence.  The 
restraining  influence  which  preserves  the  relationship  of  each 
point  in  the  circumference  to  the  centre,  is  the  clear  perception 
of  truth  from  error,  restraining  man  within  the  bounds  of 
reason  and  sense,  preserving  him  from  those  visionary 
flights  after  a  knowledge  which  may  be  above  that  which  is 
written. 

Ven.  M- — Bro-'.  Expert,  you  will  proceed  on  the  third 
voyage. 

The  Ruler  in   his  left  hand,  the  Lever  in  his  right  hand. 

Travels  in  the  same  direction,  and  at  the  conclusion  of 
the  voyage,  lays  down  his  implements,  and  with  his  right 
hand  lifts  a  small  stone,  and  then  u€es  the  Lever  in  moving 
a  large  one. 

1st  SuRV. — Yen.'.  M.-.,  the  third  voyage  is  accomplished. 

Ven.  M. — Man  found  the  perfect  Lever  represented  in  his 
fore  arm  and  elbow,  and  as  the  necessity  arose  for  moving 
masses,  his  inventive  powers  were  only  exercised  to  bring 
an  application  to  the  assistance  of  his  powers;  hence,  arose 
the  several  varieties  of  that  most  valuable  of  the  elementary 
mechanical  principles,  the  Lever.  The  intelligence  required 
in  adjusting  the  fulcrum  and  arms  of  the  Lever,  so  as  to  pro- 
duce the  maximum  effect,  renders  the  Lever  an  exceedingly 
appropriate  symbol  of  weakness  made  strenth  by  intellect, 
or  of  the  power  of  mind  over  matter. 

You  have  also  the  Ruler  in  company  with  the  Lever,  by 


50 

way  of  indicating  the  necessity  of  subjecting  physical  force  to 
the  operations  and  control  of  mind,  as  well  in  the  exercise  of 
bodily  strength  as  in  tlic  adaptation  of  the  mechanical 
powers  to  the  production  of  the  perfect  machine. 

Great  power  comes  to  naught,  or  is  only  productive  of 
evil,  unless  guided  and  governed  by  superior  wisdom.  Man 
finds  himself  surrounded  by  animal  powers  of  various 
degrees,  all  subject  to  his  will,  many  possessing  a  physical 
force  far  superior  to  his  own,  demanding  at  his  hands  the 
exercise  of  judgment  and  of  mercy.  So,  in  the  relations  of 
man  to  man,  where  no  subjection  is  ordained,  we  owe  a 
respectful  consideration  to  the  right  of  the  lowh^  as  to  the 
most  exalted.  The  history  of  the  institution  of  Freemasonry 
furnishes  many  notable  instances,  and  has  generally  been 
remarkable  for  the  result  of  his  teachings  in  this  regard. 

Deference  to  the  rights  of  others  has  ever  been  her 
happiest  theme,  repelling  upon  all  proper  occasions  tlio 
brutal  principle,  that  rigJit  obtains  from  might. 

Bro.".  Expert,  please  accompany  our  App.-.  on  his  fourth 
voyage- 

The  Square  in  his  right,  and  the  Ruler  in  his   left    hand. 

Travels  in  the  same  direction,  and  on  his  return  the 
Apprentice  will  lay  his  right  hand  flat  upon  the  Trestle 
board,  so  that  his  thumb  and  index  finger  may  form  a  right 
angle. 

IstSuRv. — Ven.'.  M,'.,  the  fourth  voyage  is  accomplished. 

Ven.  M. — In  man's  first  mechanical  efforts  he  was  fur- 
nished with  the  "  Square"  or  right  angle,  by  extending  the 
thumb  and  fore  or  index  finger.  In  the  progress  of  his 
structures  he  found  this  a:igle  to  be  of  first  importance  to 
the  stability,  beauty,  and  regularity  of  his  works,  and  that 
beauty  and  stability  were  the  invariable   attendants    upon 


51 

regularity.  Hence,  the  square  became  his  most  indispen- 
sable instrument,  and  with  the  ruler  in  his  left  hand  and 
the  square  in  his  right,  he  had  regularity  as  the  primary 
distinguishing  characteristics  of  intelligence  plainly  sym- 
bolized. 

The  Universe  with  its  myriads  of  worlds  and  harmony 
of  motion,  the  wonderful  organization  of  the  vegetable  and 
animal  creation,  even  to  the  most  insignificant  of  the 
species,  gave  unmistakable  evidence  that  order  and  regu- 
larity were  essential  and  evident  characteristics  of  Infinite 
Intellisrence.     Man  found  a  comfortable   assurance   of  his 

o 

relationship  to  the  Grand  Architect  of  the  Universe,  in 
that,  Order  was  an  elemental  principle  of  Intelligence  and 
of  Beauty  with  him  as  with  his  Creator, 

As  we  progress  in  the  knowledge  of  man,  of  his  physical 
and  mental  organization,  the  more  clearly  do  we  perceive 
the  close  alliance'  between  him  and  the  all  wise,  and  come 
to  view  him  as  a  living,  breathing,  tangible  representative 
of  that  universal  force  from  which  issue  life,  motion,  and  all 
created  things. 

Bro.*,  Expert,  you  will  proceed  with  our  brother  upon 
his  fifth  and  last  voyage. 

Without  implements  he  travels  in  the  same  direction  and 
resumes  his  position  in  silence- 

■  1st  SuRv. — Ven.*.  M.-.,  the  fifth  voysige  has  been  pro- 
perly performed. 

Ven,  M, — In  this  voyage,  we  have  man  divested  of  all 
implements,  and  he  is  here  more  particularly  called  to  an 
examination  of  himself  and  of  the  functions  pertaining  to 
his  physical  and  mental  organization.  Man  soon  discovered 
that  progress  and  constant  change  was  indelibly  stamped 
upon  all   things   surrounding    him,   and    that  progress  to 


52  V 

maturity   and    to  decay   wevQ  governed  by  invariable  and 
immutable  laws.       In    the    vegetable  world  he  saw    the 
higher  perfections  of  maturity  attained  only  by  cultivation, 
and  that  the  fertile  earth  gave  forth  of  the  abundance  of 
her  increase,  save  when  called  for  by    the    labor   of  man ; 
also  in  the  animals  given  for  man  s  domestication  and   use, 
his  cultivation  and  care  was  necessary  to  the  development 
of  their  highest  benefits.     Without  work  the  wealth  of  the 
earth  lay  dormant  at  his  feet,  and  the  animal  and  vegetable 
productions  retroceded  to  their  imperfect,  unfruitful   condi- 
tion.    So  with  man,  change  marks  the  every    moment    of 
his  existence;  there  is   no   resting  point  for  him  until  he 
lays  himself  down  for  the  last  great  change,  and  it  is   only 
by  constant  work  and  cultivation  of  his  mental   and  physi- 
cal faculties  that  he  can  reach  the  perfection    of  maturity 
and  make  the  decline  of  his  life,  like  the  descending  sun, 
more  and  more   resplendent  to  its  passing  away.     As  the 
plant,    in   the    absence    of  cultivation   and    of  work,    man 
rapidly    relapses    into   a    state    of  barbarism,  approaching 
nearer  and  nearer  to  the  wild  beasts  of  the  forest. 

The  responsibilities  and  obligations  of  man's  free  agency 
devolved  upon  him  as  soon  as  he  discovered  these  laws;  ho 
saw  the  road  plain  before  him  and  the  consequences  of  a 
departure  from  it.  TIence,  man  Ibund  an  abundant  and 
fruitful  study  in  the  great  and  ever  present  book  of  nature 
pointing  with  unerring  linger  to  the  duties  he  owed  to 
himself. 

In  truth,  such  is  the  object  and  purport  of  all  the  in- 
struction conveyed  in  tliis  degree,  directing  man  to  a  cor- 
rect and  intelligent  reading  from  nature  of  the  laws 
appertaing  to  his  welfare- 

You   may   remember    that  at   your   first  step  into  this 


63 

symbolic  world  your  attention  was  called  to  several 
interrogatories; — 1st.  What  docs  man  owe  to  his  fellow- 
beings?  The  tenor  of  the  lessons  in  the  first  degree.  2d. 
What  docs  man  owe  to  himself? — and  here  we  have  the 
subject  of  the  second  degree.  There  were  others.  They 
are  indicative  of  man's  progress  in  knowledge,  of  his 
duties  as  a  man,  and  of  the  instruction  and  train  of  ideas 
appertaining  to  each  degree  as  established  in  the  earlier 
and  purer  days  of  the  institution,  ere  the  sacriligious  hands  . 
of  bad  men  had  perverted  it  to  selfish,  religious  and 
political  ends. 

As  you  progress  in  your  Masonic  readings,  you  will 
observe  that  in  the  Rite  vvdiich  comes  to  us  from  England, 
commonly  called  the  York  or  English  Rite,  the  lectures  and 
teachings  in  the  Fellow  Craft  degree  is  a  compendium  or 
dictionary  of  scientific  terms,  giving  brief  and  not  very 
ititelligiblc  definitions  of  the  Mosaic  records  of  the  crea- 
tion^ of  the  use  of  artificial  globes,  of  the  orders  of 
Architecture,  of  the  human  senses,  of  Grammar,  Rhetoric, 
Logic,  Arithmetic,  Geometry,  Music  and  Astronomy,  em- 
bracing the  discoveries  made  in  the  branches  named  to  the 
present  day.  In  Scotch  Freemasonry  we  deem  these 
scientific  investigations  as  foreign  to  the  subject  matter  of 
the  2d  Degree,  and  a  wide  departure  from  Ancient  usages. 

Science,  as  it  now  stands  in  its  various  departments,  is 
the  result  of  progress  in  civiHzation,  was  unknown  to  the 
Ancients  and  can  not,  therefore,  be  properly  embraced  in 
what  is  called  Ancient  Craft  Masonrj'.  The  progress  of 
civilization,  the  arts  and  sciences  pertain  to  quite  a  diiferent 
order  of  ideas  and  form  the  subject  matter  of  more  recent 
and  higher  degrees  in  the  Scotch  Rite,  where  fall  and 
minute  investigations  are  properly  instituted  regarding  the 


64 

bearings  of  recent  improvements  and  discoveries  upon  the 
welfare  and  advancement  of  man  in  his  progress  after  a 
knowledge  of  the  good,  the  bqaiitifiil  and  the  true. 

In  the  Fellow  Craft  or  second  degree  we  conform  with 
the  utmost  of  strictness  to  the  ideas  properly  appertaining 
to  it,  and  scrupulously  follow  the  work  as  observed  in  the 
Ancient  Institution,  We  deem  it  more  strictly  ^Masonic  as 
being  ground  upon  which  men,  of  every  nation  and  creed, 
can  stand  in  the  union  and  fellowship  of  a  happy 
Fraternity. 

Man  is  here  called  to  an  examination  of  himself  that  he 
may  attain  to  a  proper  estimate  of  his  own  position  and 
progress;  is  shown  what  he  is  by  the  will  and  dispensation 
of  his  Maker,  giving  him  a  correct  and  rational  view  of 
himself,  of  his  rights,  and  of  his  duties  so  that  he  may  be 
the  better  prepared  to  withstand  the  temptations  to  de- 
viate from  the  path  which  leads  to  honor,  to  happiness,  and 
to  truth  as  traced  for  him  by  his  All  Wise  and  Beneficent 
Father. 

The  Bro.-.  Expert  will  conduct  our  brother  to  the  East 
for  our  further  instruction. 

The  Expert  will  let  the  candidate  ascend  the  steps  to 
the  East  and  stand  by  the  balustrade  near  to  tlie  Secretary. 

Ven.  M. — We  have  seen  that  the  exterior  world  is  as 
a  great  book,  giving  us  intelligible  and  truthful  readings  of 
nature's  laws,  leading  us  to  look  through  [nature  up  to 
nature's  God.     Look  about  you. 

The  Lodge  is  a  symbol  of  the  Avorld,  extending  from  East 
to  West,  from  North  to  South,  from  the  depths  of  the  earth 
to  the  celestial  heavens.  In  the  East,  the  rising  Sun,  the 
great  source  of  light  and  heat,  shines  in  the  Lodge  as  the 
unwearied  ruler  and  guide  of  our  working  hours,  the  sym- 


65 

bol  of  bis  Creator's  power  and  watchful  care,  while  the 
Moon,  the  resplendent  orb  of  night  with  her  attendant 
stars,  reflects  the  greater  glories  of  divine  munificence,  dif- 
fusing light  and  harmony  in  our  pathway  to  Truth,  Liberty 
and  Fraternity.    . 

The  Union  Cord  with  Love  Knots,  which  runs  around  the 
Lodge  upon  the  Architrave,  is  indicative  of  the  mystic  tie 
which  unites  us  as  brethren  in  the  bonds  of  a  happy 
Fraternity,  telling  of  full  generous  love  to  fellow-men. 

The  Mosaic  Pavement,  bordered  by  the  indented  tessel 
is  the  emblem  of  the  thousand  events  and  accidents  with 
which  the  frame  of  our  time  on  earth  is  filled  and  as  it 
were  chequered,  while  the  richly  adorned  tesselated  border 
represents  the  many  blessings  which  surround  us-  In  its 
center  we  have  the  '•  Blazing  Star"  within  the  equilateral 
triangle.  The*  infinite  intelligence  overlooking  the  che- 
quered and  variegated  scenes  of  human  life-  The  Finite  as 
coming  from  and  existing  in  the  Infmite. 

The  Plumb  and  Level  are  constant,  giving  no  shadows 
of  deviation,  subject  to  no  deflection  by  extraneous  causes. 
Hence  the  Plumb  has  ever  been  deemed  a  proper  represen- 
tation of  the  man  who  by  an  undeviating  observance  of  the 
precepts  of  equity,  is  "in  conscious  virtue  bold"  and  can 
stand  undaunted,  erect,  before  God  nnd  man. 

The  Level  is  an  emblem  of  Equality,  telling  us  of  rights 
and  duties,  of  pleasures  and  pains,  appertaining  alike  to  all 
of  woman  born. 

The  Trowel,  as  an  instrument,  evidently  had  its  origin 
in  the  use  which  man  made  of  the  palm  of  his  hand  in 
smoothing  the  surface  of  his  work  in  soft  materials  and  has 
been  adopted  as  an  emblem  of  forgiveness,  teaching  us  so 
to   overlook  the   asperities,  defects,  and  short  cominffs  of 


56 

our  brethren,  that  we  may  dwell  together  in  unity.  A 
patient  forbearance  of  what  appear  to  us  as  weakness  in 
our  brother,  is  essential  to  harmony  in  our  mystic  brother- 
hood. 

You  entered  with  the  Twenty-four  InchGuage,  a  working 
tool  of  the  App.".  Mas-'.,  with  which  you  are  familiar. 

The  Rough  Ashlar,  an  unwrought  stone,  is  emblematic 
of  man  in  his  uucultivatel  state;  and  the  Perfect  Ashlar,  or 
wrought  stone,  is  emblematic  of  man  in  his  more  perfect 
state,  when  his  mind  and  his  passions  have  been  cultivated 
and  subdued  by  education. 

The  Three  Lights  around  the  altar  indicate  the  points 
which  naturally  passed  from  work  to  rest,  morning,  midday 
and  evening,  following  the  march  of  the  Grand  Luminary 
which  guides  us  during  our  daily  labor. 

The  Trestle  or  Tracing  board,  is  the  embleiti  of  reflection^ 
The  wise  man  will  have  his  plans  carefully  designed  before 
engaging  in  any  important  work.  As  every  feature  in  the 
exterior  world  conveys  its  lessons  of  truth,  so  in  this  sym- 
bolic world — the  Lodge — words  of  wisdom  are  associated  with 
each  and  every  object,  however  simple,  taking  us  back  to 
that  purer  source  of  light,  the  fountain  of  all  wisdom,  the 
wondrous  works  of  the  Grand  Architect  of  the  Universe. 

You  will  now  take  the  obligations  required  of  a  Fellow 
Craft. 

Are  you  ready  ? 

Candidate — Yes. 

Ven.  M. — 13ro  '.  M.-.  C.-.,  you  will  please  take  the  can- 
didate in  charge,  and  conduct  him  to  the  altar. 

The  candidate  will  place  his  right  hand  upon  the  square 
and  compasses.  The  Ven-*.  M.'.  comes  then  with  a  sword 
in  his  left  hand  and  a  p;avel  in  his  right,  when  the  candidate 


57 

will  repeat  the  following  obligation  as  dictated  by  the  Ven.*. 
M/. 

Obligation. — "  In  presence  of  the  Grand  Architect  of 
the  Universe,  under  the  authority  of  the  Supreme  Council  of 
the  33d  Degree  of  the  Ancient  and  Accepted  Scotch  Rite  of 
Freemasonry,  in  and  for  the  Sovereign  and  Independent 
State  of  Louisiana,  and  in  presence  of  this  assemblage  of 
Freemasons,  I,  [name  in  full,)  on  my  word/  of  honor,  do 
solemnly  promise  faithfully  to  keep  the  secrets  and  ivords  of 
the  Fellow  Craft  Degree,  as  prescribed  by  the  statutes  of 
the  Order ;  and  I  would  rather  have  my  heart  torn  out  and 
thrown  to  the  beasts  of  prey,  than  to  violate  this  my  solemn 
promise.     So  help  me  God.  " 

Ven.  M.— Truth  and  the  blessings  of  God  be  with  you. 


INVESTITURE  OF  THIS  DEGREE- 


The  Ven.'.  M.*.  extends  the  point  of  his  sword  over  the 
candidate's  head  and  says : 

*'  In  the  name  of  the  Grand  Architect  of  the  Universe, 
under  the  authority  of  the  Supreme  Council  of  the  33d 
Degree  of  the  Ancient  and  Accepted  Scotch  Rite  cf  Free- 
Masonry,  in  and  for  the  Sovereign  and  Independent  State  of 
Louisiana,  and  by  virtue  of  powers  on  me  conferred,  I  do 
hereby  make  and  constitute  you  a  Fellow  Craft  llason,  of 
the  Ancient  and  Accepted  Scotch  Rite,  and  declare  you  an 
active  member  of  the  R.-.  L.'.  (name  and  numhe'\) 

Then  the  Ven/.  M.'.  gives  five  raps  with  his  gavel  upon 
the  blade  of  his  sword,  goes  to  the  candidate,  ht  tlis  fiap  of 
his  apron  down,  shakes  hands   with  him,  and  resumes  his 


58 

seat  in  the  East. 

Ven.  M. — Bro-'.  M.-.  C.-.,  will  please  conduct  our  worthy 
initiated  Brother  to  the  East  for  our  Secret  Instructions. 

The  M.'.  C*.  will  give  him  a  seat  near  the  Sec,'.,  where 
the  Ven.*.  M.-.  will  approach  near  to  him,  and  say  ; 

Ven.  M. — Admission  to  a  Lodge  in  this  Degree  is  obtained 
by  rapping  at  the  door,  thus-  The  Ins--.  Sent.',  will  then 
open  the  wicket  and  ask  the  password,  which  you  wiligive 
in  this  manner  :   [gives  him  the  password.) 

When  the  door  opens  for  you,  you  will  advance  towards 
the  altar,  making  these  steps,  {shows  him,)  and  then  give 
the  sign  of  Fellow  Craft  {thus)  to  the  Ven.*.  M.'.  in  the 
East,  then  face  about  to  the  left,  give  the  same  sign  to  the 
1st  Surv.'.,  sitting  in  the  West,  then  facing  to  the  right, 
giving  the  same  sign  to  the  2d  Surv--.  in  the  South.  Then 
take  a  seat  under  the  column  "  J  " — that  letter  is  the  initial 
of  the  sacred  word  in  this  Degree,  and  is  given  thus,  {gives 
him  the  word.)  The  word  and  grip  must  always  be  given 
together,  thus. 

The  Battery  is  given,  {thus.) 

The  Ven.*.  M.--  then  resumes  his  seat. 

Ven.  M. — M.-.  C-*.,  you  will  conduct  our  Bro/.  {name,) 
to  the  1st  Surv.-.  for  examination  in  our  secret  instructions. 

At  the  conclusion  the  1st  Surv-".  says  : 

1st  SuRV. — [raps  )  Ven.*.  M.'.,  his  instructions  are  correct 

Ven.  M. — Bro.*.  M.-.  C.-.,  please  give  Bro.'.  {name,)  a 
seat  upon  the  East  for  this  day. 

The  M.-.  0.*.  will  give  him  a  seat  near  the  Sec. 

Ven.  M. — Bro-'.  M.*.  C.'.,  please  proclaim,  from  the  East, 
that  Bro.'.  {iiame,)  has  been  duly  and  legally  constituted  a 


59 

Fellow  Craft  Mason,  in  the  Ancient  and  Accepted  Scotcli 
Rite;  that  he  has  given  the  solemn  obligation,  and  received 
secret  instructions  of  the  Degree,  and  invite  the  fraternity 
to  receive  and  protect  him  accordingly. 


PROCLAMATION. 


Mast.  C. — Re  it  known  from  East  to  West,  from  North  to 
South,  that  Rro.*.  {^lame,)  has  been  legall}'  passed  to  the 
Fellow  Craft  Degree  in  the  Ancient  an,d  Accepted  Scotch 
Rite,  and  admitted    as    an  active    member  of  the   R.*.  L.*. 

{name  and  number,)  in  the  East  of under  the 

authority  of  the  Supreme  Council  of  Ins.*.  Gen.*,  of  the  33d 
Degree,  in  and  for  the  Sovereign  and  Independent  State  of 
Louisiana,  and  the  Fraternity  are  invited  to  receive  and 
protect  him  accordingly. 

The  concluding  ceremonies  of  this  Degree  are  the  same  as 
in  the  Api>.-,  Degree,  observing  the  proper  Sign  and  Battery. 

The  Orator  is  then  called  upon  for  a  lecture  upon  the 
Degree. 

The  Visiting  Brothers  will  receive  the  usual  compliments 
in  the  2d  Degree. 

The  Lodge  must  be  formally  closed  in  the  2d  Degree, 
"when  work  can  be  resumed  in  the  1st  Degree* 

At  its  conclusion  the  Lodge  must  be  formally  closed  in 
the  1st  Degree,  and  the  workmen  called  off  for  refreshment, 
"remembering  before  they  part  to  renew  their  solemn  obliga- 
tions of  secrecy. " 


LECTURE  ON  THE  SECOND  DEGREE. 


Ven.  M. — Bro.-.  1st  Surv.-.,  are  yoa  a  Fellow  Craft  Mason  ? 

1st  Surv. — Yen.-.  M.-.,  I  am,  try  nic. 

Q. — Why  did  you  receive  the"Degree  of  Fellow  Craft? 

A. — In  order  to  work  to  tlic  best  of  my  strength  and  ability  with  all 
Freemasons,  my  companions  and  brethren,  to  the  final  triumph  of 
3lasonic  principles. 

Q. — What  is  the  <:reat  '.vcrk  oontoniplated  by  Freemasons? 

A. — To  make  all  men  equal  by  labor;  and  a  perfect  equality  will  never 
reij^n  in  this  world  unless  the  principles  of  true  Freemasonry  are  known 
and  put  in  practice. 

Q. — How  were  you  received  a  Fellow  Craft  ? 

A. — ^ly  eyes  wide  open,  and  in  the  plenitude  of  my  strength  and 
freedom. 

Q. — What  did  you  see  on  entering  the  Lodge  ? 

A. — Two  large  columns  or  pillars,  one  int  the  left  hand  of  the  1st 
SurveiUant  with  the  letter  '<  B,"  and  the  other  at  his  right  hand  with 
the  letter  "  J." 

Q. — What  was  their  composition  ? 

A. — Molten  or  Cast  Brass. 

Q. — What  were  their  dimensions? 

A. — Eighteen  cubits  in  height,  twelve  in  circumference,  and  four  in 
diameter. 

Q. — Why  wee  they  ca.»t  hollow  ? 

A. — The  better  to  preserve  the  tools  and  archives  of  Freemasonry,  and 
also  the  money  destined  to  the  pajMuent  of  Fellow  Crafts  and  Apprentices. 

Q. — How  did  you  gain  admission  ? 

A. — By  a  sign,  by  a  pass  word  and  a  sacred  word,  and  by  a  grip. 

Q. — Give  me  the  sign. 

A. — (^The  sign  is  yivcn.') 

Q, — AVhat  does  it  denote  ? 

A. — That  I  should  rather  have  my  heart  torn  out  by  the  roots  than  to 
violate  the  promise  I  made  in  presence  of  my  brethren  assembled  in 
this  Lodge. 

Q. — Give  the  pass  word  to  liro.-. 


61 

A. — {The pass  icord  is  given  ) 

Q, — Give  the  sacred  word  to  Iho.-. 

A. — {The  sacred  word  is  given.) 

Q. — Give  the  grip  to  Bro.-. 

A. — (  The  grip  is  given.') 

Q. — How  were  you  disposed  of  after  you  entered  the  Lodge  ? 

A — I  made  five  voyages.  In  the  first  I  had  in  my  liand  a  Mallet  and 
a  Chisel,  in  the  sicond,  a  Ruler  and  a  pair  of  Compasses,  in  the  third, 
a  Ruler  and  a  Lever,  in  the  fourth,  a  Ruler  and  a  Square. 

Q. — What  is  the  use  of  these  different  tools  ? 

A* — The  Mallet  and  Chisel  serve  to  pare  and  hew  the  rough  stone,  in 
taking  off  its  asperity  and  giving  it  its  proper  form. 

The  Ruler  and  Compasses  arc  tools  by  which  lines  are  drawn  on  plain 
and  smooth  surfaces. 

The  Lever  is  destined  to  raise  heavy  bodies,  and  the  Square  to  form 
equal  sides  and  right  angles. 

Q. — What  is  the  moral  and  symbolical  meaning  of  these  tools 

A. — By  the  Mallet  and  Chisel,  we  mean  that  a  true  Freemason  ought 
to  divest  himself  of  his  prejudices  and  vices.  By  the  Ruler,  that  our 
actions  ought  to  be  governed  and  measured  by  the  eternal  principles  of 
morality.  By  the  Compasses,  that  we  ought  to  contain  ourselves  in  the 
limits  of  truth  and  justice.  By  the  Lever,  that  it  is  our  duty  to  oppose 
a  determined  resistance  to  all  that  is  arbitrary  and  despotic;  and  by  the 
Square,  that  we  ought  to  square  our  actions  by  the  opinions  of  good  men, 
and  our  lives  by  the  precept >  of  philosophers. 

Q. — How  did  you  make  the  fifth  voyage  ? 

A. — With  my  hands  entirely  free. 

Q.— Why? 

A. — As  an  indication  to  the  Fellow  Craft,  that  it  is  only,  after  a  long 
and  tedious  labor,  that  he  will  be  permitted  to  rest  and  enjoy  in  his 
freedom  and  independence. 

Q. — Has  our  Lodge  any  ornaments  ? 

A. — It  has.  1st.  The  Mosaic  or  chequered  pavement,  representing 
this  world,  which,  though  chequered  over  with  good  and  evil,  yet 
brethren  may  work  together  thereon  and  not  stumble; — 2d.  The  Blazing 
Star  as  a  symbol  of  the  true  light  which  Freemasonry  spreads  over  the 
whole  world; — And  3d.  The  Cord  of  Union  which  surrounds  our  Lodge, 
teaching  all  Freemasons  to  live  together  as  a  family  of  brethren,  in  order 


62 

to  better  defend  all  their  political,  religious,  civil  and  social  rights 

Q. — Has  your  Lodge  any  jewels  ? 

A. — It  hasj  six,  three  moveable  and  three  immoveable. 

Q. — What  are  the  three  moveable  jewels? 

A. — The  Level,  Plumb  and  Trowel. 

Q. — What  do  they  teach  ? 

A. — The  Level  equality;  the  Plumb,  rectitude  of  life  and  conduct,  and 
the  Trowel,  teaching  all  Freemasons  that  they  ought  not  only  to  forgive 
their  mutual  wrongs  and  offences,  but  also  to  cement  and  strengthen  the 
ties  of  brotherhood. 

Q. — What  are  the  throe  immoveable  jewels  ? 

A — The  Rough  Aslilar,  the  Perfect  Ashlar  and  the  Trestle  Board. 

Q. — What  do  they  represent  ? 

A. — The  Rough  Ashlar  represents  man  in  his  rude  and  imperfect 
state  of  nature;  iht  Perfect  Ashlar  represents  man  in  that  state  of 
perfection  to  which  we  all  hope  to  arrive  by  means  of  a  virtuous  life  and 
education;  and  the  Trestle  Board  is  the  emblem  of  reflection  and 
wisdom. 

Q, — Where  do  the  Fellow  Crafts  sit  in  the  Temple  ? 

A. — In  the  South  or  in  the  North. 

Q,— Why  in  the  South  ? 

A. — To  help  Master  Masons  in  their  works,  and  to  profit  by  their 
lessons. 

Q._Why  in  the  North? 

A. — To  assist  the  Apprentices  in  tlicir  works. 

Q  — How  do  the  Fellow  Crafts  work. 

A. — With  Joy,  Fervor  and  Freedom. 

Q. — What  is  your  age  as  a  Fellow  Craft  ? 

A. — Five  years. 


THIRD  DEGREE. 


OFFICERS, 


A  Most  Respectable  Master. 
A  Most  Venerable  1st  Surveillant, 
A  Most  Venerable  2d  Surveillant. 
A  Most  Venerable  Orator. 
A  Most  Venerable  Secretary. 
A  Most  Venerable  Expert. 
A  Most  Venerable  Treasurer 
A  Most  Venerable  Master  of  Ceremonies. 
A  Most  Venerable  Inside  Sentinel. 
AH   Brethren   are    designed    under   the    appellation   of 
Venerable  Brethren. 


PREPARATION  OF  THE  LODGE  FOR  INITIATION, 


The  Lodge  must  be  hung  in  black,  strewed  with  tears  or 
symbols  of  death.  The  table  and  altar  covered  with  black 
palls.  The  arrangements  for  lighting  the  Lodge,  when 
desired,  must  bo  abundant  either  with  gas  or  candles. 
During  the  ceremonies,  no  lights  are  permitted  save  those 
hereafter  designated.  The  altar  shall  be  furnished  with 
the  square  and  compasses  placed  masonically.  The  three 
tripods  surrounding  the  altar  must  be  supplied  with  un- 
lighJLed  candles. 


64 

The  East. — On  the  table  of  the  R--.  M-'.  there  will  be 
placed  a  Maul,  the  head  of  which  must  be  stuffed  with 
wool  or  cotton,  and  covered  with  black  cloth  or  leather- 

A  transparent,  dimly  lighted,  surmounted  by  a  skull  with 
this  device  plainly  written  across  the  transparency,  ''  In 
the  midst  of  life  we  arc  in  death." 

Near  to  and  in  front  of  the  Master's  table  there  will  be 
placed  a  large  transparency,  representing  a  chequered  or 
Mosaic  pavement,  upon  w'hich  is  a  coffin  covered  with  a 
black  pall  strewed  with  tears  and  sculb.  There  will  also 
be  represented  upon  it  a  tree,  so  designed  that  "  the 
cross"  shall  be  apparent,  with  a  branch  of  "Acacia,"  with 
three  limbs,  one  extending  upon  each  horizontal  arm  of  the 
cross  and  one  upon  the  upper  vertical  arm. 

On  the  upper  vertical  arm  will  also  be  placed  a  "Blazing 
Star,"  within  an  equilateral  triangle  and  at  the  foot  of  the 
cross  will  be  placed  the  square  and  compasses  forming  a 
lozenge. 

Preparation  in  the  West. — On  the  table  will  be  a  trans- 
parency dimly  lighted  with  this  inscription,  "  Life  comes 
out  of  death."  Upon  the  transparency  w^ill  be  a  human 
skull.  Upon  the  table  there  will  be  a  roll  of  paper  nine 
inches  in  circumference  and  eigliteen  inches  in  length,  also 
a  pair  of  large  compasses  made  of  wood  having  iron  points. 

Preparation  in  the  South  — On  the  table,  a  transparency 
with  this  inscription,  ^Dd  thy  work  and  die  xcitlwut  fear.'^ 

A  roll  of  paper  as  in  the  West,  also  a  flat  Ruler,  twenty 
four  inches. 


PREPARATION  OF   CANDIDATE, 


The  M.-.  E,'.  assumes  charge   of  the  candidate   in  an 


65 

adjoining  room,  divests  him  of  coat,  waistcoat,  cravat  and 
shoes,  receives  his  watch,  money,  knife,  keys  and  all 
metallic  substances  he  nuiy  have  about  him;  his  left  arm 
and  shoulder  must  be  withdrawn  fro.n  the  sleeve  of  his  shirt 
and  undershirt,  so  as  to  be  entirely  naked,  and  a  small 
silver  square  will  be  tied  upon  his  naked  arm,  just  above  the 
elbow,  with  a  black  ribbon.  A  cord  will  be  girded  around 
his  loins  three  times.  He  will  wear  his  apron  as  a  Fellow 
Craft. 


OPENING   OF   tup:   LODGE- 


The  Lodge  must  be  formally  opened  in  the  1st,  2d  and 
3d  Degrees,  successively,  following  the  general  directions 
given  in  the  Ritual  of  the  Lst  Degree,  giving  the  Sign  and 
Battery  pertaining  to  each  Degree,---- great  care  being  ob- 
served that  all  present  are  entitled  to  seats- 

RECEPTION   OF   VISITORS. 


The  M.-.  C*.  will  visit  the  anti-chamber  and  avenues,  and 
bring  the  visitors'  register  to  the  M---  R/.  M.--,  who  will  give 
directions  regarding  the  reception  of  visitors. 

Announcement  of  the  object  of  the  meeting  by  the  M.-.  R.-. 
M.%  calling  for  objections  to  the  initiation,  giving  them  due 
consideration,  and  if  there  are  none,  he  will  ask  for  a  unan- 
imous assent  on  the  part  of  all  present,  same  as  in  the  1st 
Degree. 


06 
INITIATION. 


The  M.*.  C.-.  causes  the  candidate  to  rap  at  the  door  as  a 
Fellow  Craft. 

The  Inside  Sentinel  looks  through  the  wicket,  and 
reports  to  the  1st  biirv,-. 

1st  SuRV.  — M.-.  11.-.  M,-.,  there  is  a  Fellow  Craft  raping 
at  the  door. 

M.  R.  M. — "Bro.-.  Expert,  ascertain  -who  is  thus  rudely 
disturbing  our  meditations. 

The.  Expert  goes  to  the  anti-chamber,  malces  the  proper 
inquiries,  returns,  leaving  the  door  slightly  ajar,  and  from 
it  reports. 

ExPEivT — M.-,  l\.\  jNI.-.,  one  of  our  Brothers  is  at  the  door 
having  in  charge  a  Fellow  Craft. 

M.  R.  M— Bro.-.  Conductor,  how  does  that  Fellow  Craft 
expect  to  gain  admission  to  our  presence  and  to  our  solem. 
uities  ? 

M,-.  C.', — By  virtue  of  the  word  of  pass. 

M.  R.  M. — Through  the  word  of  pass?  That  is  exceedirgly 
strange,  and  sullicient  cause  for  the  most  fearful  apprehen- 
sions ! — fur,  how  could  he  have  obtained  possession  of  that 
word  save  than  by  a  [larlicipation  in  the  horrid  crime  which 
we  fear  has  been  committed.  Sec  that  no  stain  of  blood 
besmeares  his  hands  or  clothing,  and  bring  us  his  apron. 

Expert — M.-.  R.-.  M.'.,  we  have  carefully  examined  that 
Fellow  Crait  and  find  him  clear  from  suspicion  of  having 
participated  in  that  most  foul  and  abhorrent  deed  ;  his  hands 
are  clean,  and  his  apron,  which  I  bring  you,  is  spotless. 

The  Expert  takes  the  apron  to  the  East,  and  resumes  his 
seat.  ' 


1 


67 

M.  R.  M. — Bro.*.  1st  Surv.".,  will  you  go  and  examine  the 
Fellow  Craft,  search  carefully  for  any  trace,  mark  or  spot> 
by  which  we  may  learn  of  the  fate  of  our  most  M.-.  R.  .  M.*. 

1st  Surv. — {After  comphjing,  says: — M/.R/.  M".-,  a  strict 
examination  fails  to  elicit  anything  which  can  justly  attach 
suspicion  to  that  Fellow  Craft.  • 

M,  R.  M. — It  being  so,  go  out  again  and  ask  him  for  the 
word  of  pass. 

The  1st  Surv.*.  goes  out  and  says  to  the  candidate. 

1st  Surv — Give  me  the  word  of  pass. 

Candidate — {Saijs,)!  cannot,  my  conductor  will  give  it 
for  me. 

The  1st  Surv.*.  then  asks  and  receives  it  from  the  M--.  C*. 
in  a  whisper. 

1st  Surv. — M.'.  R.*.  M.-.  that  Fellow  Craft  could  not  give 
me  the  word  of  pass ;  he  relied  upon  his  conductor,  who 
gave  it  correctly. 

M.  R.  M. — Let  him  enter. 

The  M.*.  (;.*.  t;ikes  the  ends  of  the  cord  which  girds  the 
cantlidate,  and  makes  him  enter  backwards  as  far  as  the 
altar,  where  he  will  stand  with  his  face  to  the  door  or  West. 

M.  R.  M. — Bro.-,  Fellow  Craft,  you  find  us  surrounded 
with  the  solemn  parapherijalia  of  Death,  engaged  in  con- 
templating the  momentous  mysteries  attendant  upon  man's 
hnal  laying  down  to  rest  in  the  arms  of  the  dread  con- 
queror. Man  is  subject  to  that  unalterable  decree  of  the 
Almighty,  "  Of  dust  thou  art,  and  unto  dust  shalt  thou 
return  ;"  and  "the  spirit  shall  return  unto  God  who  gave 
it."  Death,  when  the  result  of  natural  causes,  may  be  met 
with  a  cheerful,  happy  reliance,  comforting  to  those  whose 
hearth  stones  have  been  made  desolate  at  the  hands  of  the 
fell  destroyer;  but  our  hearts  are  appalled  when  our  dear 


68  . 

friends  are  .suddenly  .-ent,  by  ihe  inhumanity  ol  ni;ai,  to 
their  last  final  resting  phice,  to  stand  unannounced  before 
their  Maker. 

You  find  us  thus  cast  down  with  the  most  hopeless  of 
sorrows,  at  the  fearful  apprehension  of  a  most  unnatural 
death  to  our  most  Rcsp/.  Master.  No  trace  of  him  has  yet 
been  discovered.  A  recent  cdrpse  has  been  found  and  brought 
in,  which  you  will  see  in  the  cof!in  at  your  left,  but  it  is  not 
that  of  our  Master.  Its  shocking  mutilation  has  added 
greatly  to  our  fears  and  anxiety  regarding  his  fate.  As  he 
possessed  knowledge,  and  held  a  secret  of  vast  import  to 
the  advancement  of  the  Fellow  Craft,  we  fear  he  has  fallen 
a  victim  to  the  overreaching  reckless  ambition  of  wicked  and 
unprincipled  men  of  that  Degree  ;  and  that  in  him  truth  and 
integrity  has  been  crushed  to  earth  by  the  violent  hands  of 
intrigue  and  oppression.  Bro.*.  Fellow  Crafc,  have  you  any 
knowledge  of  a  conspiracy  against  his  life,  or  have  you  in 
any  way  or  manner  participated  in  his  overthrow? 

Candidate. — No. 

M.  R.  M. — Then  turn  your  face  to  the  East,  and  tell  us 
if  you  will  patiently  and  earnestly  give  us  your  assistance 
in  our  search  for  the  fallen. 

Candidate. — Yes. 

M.  R.  M. — Now  it  will  be  impossible  for  3'ou  to  join  us 
in  this  most  uoithy  pursuit  untif  admitted  to  a  full  partici- 
pation in  the  secrets  and  mysteries  of  the  Master's  Degree. 

Arc  you  prci^ared  to  undergo  the  fearful  trials,  incident 
to  this  most  instructive  initiation? 

Candidate — Yes. 

M.  R.  M. — Bro.'.  Conductor,  you  may  proceed  with  your 
charge  upon  the  first  voyage. 

Travels  from  Nortli  to  East,  keeping  the  altar  at  the  right 


69 

hand,  giving  the  App.-.  sign,  as  he  passes  the  East,  South 
and  West,  and  as  each  Officer  answers  the  sign  he  will  give 
three  raps.  Brings  the  candidate  to  the  altar,  from  thence 
takes  him  to  the  2d  Surv.*.,  when  the  candidate  will  give 
tho  App.'.  rap  upon  the  table.  The  2d  Surv.-.  rises,  places 
his  roll  of  paper  on  the  nape  of  the  neck  of  the  candidate 
as  to  detain  him,  and  says  : 

2d  Surv. — Who  comes  here? 
■  M.  C. — A  Fellow  Craft  who  has    served  his    full    time, 
and  desires  to  be  raised  to  the  Master's  Degree. 

2d  Surv — How  docs  he  expect  to  gain  admission  ? 

M.  C. — Through  the  word  of  pass. 

2d  Surv — How  is  it  possible  for  him  to  give  it? 

M.  C, — I,  his  conductor,  will  give  it  for  him. 

2d  Suuv — Give  it  to  me. 

M.  C. — (In  a  whisper.)  T.-. 

2d  Surv.— Let  him  pass. 

The  M.".  C.'.  Leads  the  candidate  to  the  altar. 

2d  Surv.. — Bro/.  1st  Surv.-.,  the  candidate  has  passed 
the  South  correctl3^ 

1st  Surv — {Raps.)  M.'.  11.-.  M.*.,  the  2d  voyage  has  been 
correctly  performed. 

M.  R.  M — Bro.-.  conductor,  you  may  proceed  with  the 
candidate  upon  his  second  voyage. 

The  second  voyage  is  performed  as  the  first,  giving  the 
Fellow  Craft's  sign,  and  when  the  candidate  has  reached 
his  place  at  the  altar  he  will  proceed  to  the  West  and 
give  the  rap  of  the  Fellow   craft  upon  that  officer's  table. 

The  1st  Surv.'.  will  rise,  place  his  roll  of  paper  upon  the 
candidate's  breast  and  say  : 

1st  Surv. — Who  comes  here?  Further  questions  and 
answers  are  given  as  at  the  South,  and  when  the  candidate 


^. 


70 

has  resumed  his  place  by  the  altar: — 

1st  SuRV. — {Raps.)  M.-.  R.-.  M.'.,  the  candulatehas  passed 
the  West  and  completed  his  second  voyage  corrcctl}'. 

M.  K.  M — 13ro.-.  conductor,  please  proceed  upon  the 
third  voyage. 

Travels  in  the  same  direction.  No  signs  or  raps  are 
given,  and  the  candidate  quietly  resumes  his  position  by  the 
altar. 

1st  Surv  — {Raps.)^!.'-  R.-.M.*.,  the  third  voyage  is  accom- 
plished- 

M.  R.  M — These  three  voyages,  my  Bro-*,  recall  the  last 
sad  scene  of  all,  the  final  panorama  of  youth,  manhood  and 
senility.  At  the  conclusion  of  man's  tumultuous  voyage  of 
life,  his  every  action  passes  in  quick  review  before  him  and 
the  various  scenes  of  his  life  come  up  to  his  mind  as  with 
the  speed  of  thought-  All  the  sins  of  his  life  will  dart 
their  venemous  fangs  into  his  very  soul,  calling  for  judgment 
at  his  own  hands. 

Happy  the  man  who  can  lay  down  to  his  final  rest  with 
a  conscience  void  of  ofience  towards  God  and  man,  and  as 
he  is  parting  from  earth  can  view  the  fading  scenes  of  his 
life,  with  a  forgiving  and  a  repentant  heart-  Then  is  death 
robbed  of  his  sting  and  the  grave  of  its  victory.  The  good 
man  goes  down  to  his  grave  with  the  blessings  of  the  living 
and  death  lays  him  upon  a  bed  of  glory,  for  he  will  hear 
the  joyful  acclamation  of  ''Well  done.  Thou  good  and 
faithful  servant." 

You  will  now  take  the  Master  Mason's  obligation. 

The  M.*.  C.  will  cause  the  candidate  to  place  his  hands, 
his  right  hand  over  the  left,  resting  upon  the  square  and 
compasses.     All  present  rise  as  witnesses. 

The  M.'.  R/.  M.'.goes  to  the  altar  and  causes  the  candidate 


71 

to  repeat  from  his  dictation. 

Obligation. — "  In  presence  of  the  G.\  A.--  O/.  T.-.  U.*., 
under  then  utlioi'ity  of  the  Supreme  Council  of  the  33d  Degree 
of  the  Ancient  and  Accepted  Scotch  Rite  of  Freemasonrj, 
in  and  for  the  Sovereign  and  Independent  State  of  Louisiana, 
with  this  assemblnge  of  Master  M.-isons  as  witnesses,  I 
(name  in  full,)  upon  my  sacred  word  of  honor,  do  hereby 
solemnly  promise  never  to  reveal  the  secrets,  words  and 
mysteries  of  the  JNLister  Mason's  Degree,  never  to  s[)eak 
thereon  except  to  a  regular  Master  of  the  same  Rite,  or  in 
a  regular  and  legally  constituted  Lodge  thereof,  and  I  do, 
furthermore,  give  my  sacred  promise  to  do  no  unjustifiable 
violence  or  in  any  manner  to  defame  or  otherwise  harm  a 
brother  Mason,  his  mother,  sister,  wife  or  daughter,  but  to 
be  to  them  as  a  true  and  faithful  brother  and  to  assist  them 
in  their  adversity  to  the  extent  of  my  ability.  Also  to 
obey  the  general  statutes  of  the  S(otch  Rite,  the  regula- 
tions of  ihe  Supreme  Council  for  the  State  of  Louisiana 
the  by-laws  of  this  Lodge,  and  cause  the  same  to  be 
obeyed. 

I  would  rather  have  my  body  severed  into  two  parts,  my 
bowels  torn  out  and  burned,  and  the  ashes  thereof  scattered 
to  the  winds,  than  to  violate  this  my  solemn  obligation — So 
help  me  God." 

M.  R.  M. — God  grant  that  3'ou  may  never  be  prompted 
to  violate  so  sacred  an  obligation! 

The  M.-.  R.*.  M/.  then  removes  the  cord  from  the  candi- 
date's loins,  puts  upon  him  the  Fellow  Craft's  apron,  leaves 
him  behind  the  altar,  resumes  his  seat  in  the  East,  requests 
all  to  be  seated,  the  M.-.  C.'.  giving  the  candidate  a  seat. 

M.  R.  M. — The  instruction  conveyed  in  this  degree  is  as 
important  as  the  ceremonies  are  impressive.     Constituting 


72 

as  it  does  the  last  of  the  purely  sj^mbolic  degrees,  it  is  im- 
portant that  its  teachings  should  be  clearly  comprehended; 
and  that  you  may  acquire  strength  to  withstand  its  trials 
and  a  proper  state  of  mind  to  duly  receive  i(s  instruction, 
\vc  will  relate  something  of  its  history  and  of  the  terrible 
legend  connected  therewith. 

The  degree  is  founded  upon  and  draws  its  lesson  from  a 
legendary  account  of  circumstances  and  events  which  tran- 
spired at  the  building  of  Solomon's  temple  at  Jerusalem. 

From  the  Bible,  we  learn  that  at  the  time  when  Saul 
ascended  the  throne  of  Judah,  the  people  of  that  country 
were  quite  ignorant  of  the  mechanic  arts-     There  was  not 
a  man  among  them  who  could  work  in  iron.     They  were 
obliged  to  call  upon  their  most  bitter  enemies,   the  Philis- 
tines,   to    have    even    their    instruments    of    husbandry 
sharpened  and  repaired-     Their  swords  and  halberds   were 
not  of  their  own  making.     David  saw  the  necessity  of  cul- 
tivating in  them  a  taste  for  the  mechanic  arts,  and  sent  for 
all  the  foreigners  in  his  dominions,    that    he    might   select 
from  among  them^builders,  hewers,  stone-cutters,  carpenters 
and  all  manner  of  cunning  men  for  every  manner  of  work. 
Notwithstanding,  David  had  commanded  all  the  Princes   of 
Israel  to  help  Salomon,  he  was  obliged  to  ask  Hiram,  King 
of  Tyre,  for  help,  saying  '•  for  thou  knowest  that  there  is 
not  among  us  any  that  can   skill   to  hcvv-  timber  like  unto 
the  Sidonians-"  So  Iliram,  the  King,  sent  him  a  skillful  car- 
penter and  stone-cutter,  Adoniram,  to  superintend  the  work- 
men in  w^ood  and  stone  at  mount  Lebanon. 

"And  King  Salomon  sent  and  fetched  Hiram  out  of 
Tyre.  lie  was  a  widow's  son  of  the  tribe  of  Naphtali,  and 
his  father  was  a  man  of  Tyre,  a  worker  in  brass;  and  he 
was  filled  with  wisdom  and  understanding,  and  cunning  to 


73 

work  all  works  ia  brass.     And  he  came  to   King   Solomon 
and  wrought  all  his  work." 

Hiram  cast  two  pillars  of  brass  of  wondrous  work  and 
curious  device,  a  particular  description  of  which  is  given  in 
(1  King,  chap.  7;  v.  15-20.) 

"And  he  set  up  the  pillars  in  the  porch  of  the  temple; 
and  he  set  up  the  right  pillar  and  called  the  name  thereof, 
Jachin;  and  he  set  up  the  left  pillar  and  called  the  name 
thereof, — Boaz,  v,  21." 

In  2  Chron.,  chapter  2d,  v.  13  aud  14,  the  King  of  Tyre 
writes  to  Solomon  thus,  "And  now  I  have  sent  a  cunning 
man,  indued  with  understanding.  He  is  the  son  of 
woman  of  the  daughter  of  Dan,  and  his  father  was  a  man 
of  Tyre,  skillful  to  work  in  gold  and  in  silver,  in  brass,  in 
iron,  in  stone  and  in  timber,  in  purple,  in  blue,  in  fine  linen, 
and  in  crimson;  also  to  grave  any  manner  of  graving,  and 
to  find  out  any  device  which  shall  be  put  to  him  Avith  thy 
cunning  menand  with  the  cunning  men  of  my  Lord  David, 
thy  father. " 

We  also  read  v.  17  and  18,  "  And  Solomon  numbered  all 
the  strangers  that  were  in  Israel,  and  they  were  found  an 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand,  and  three  thousand  and  six 
hundred,  (153,600.)  and  he  set  three  score  and  ten  thousand 
of  them  to  be  bearers  of  burdens,  (70,000.),  and  four  score 
thousand  to  be  hewers  in  the  mountain,  (80,000-),  and  three 
thousand  six  hundred,  (3,600-)  overseers  to  let  the  people 
work." 

We  learn  from   a  legend  or    tradition  of  equal  antiquity, 

that  Solomon  in  his  wisdom  so  arranged  and   classified  this 

great  body  of  men,  that  neither  envy,  discord  nor  confusion 

were  sufi'crcd    to  interrupt  or    disturb  the    peace  and  good 

fellowship   which   prevailed   among   the  workmen.     They 

10 


74 

were  divided  into  three  classes  :  Apprentices,  Fellow  Crafts 
and  Masters.  A  certain  number  of  each  class  composed  a 
company  or  Lodge,  in  charge  of  an  able  master.  Over  all 
was  Iliram,  the  widow's  son,  filled  with  wisdom  and  under- 
standing. 

The  more  readily  to  insure  order  among  so  large  a  body 
of  strangers,  of  various  degrees  of  skill,  King  Solomon  with 
the  King  of  Tyre  and  the  learned  architect  Hiram,  adopted 
certain  signs,  grips  and  words,  so  as  easily  and  correctly  to 
distinguish  the  several  jprders  and  classes  of  workmen. 

Now  it  was  the  custom  of  their  Grand  Master  Hiram,  to 
enter  the  Temple,  at  high  twelve,  each  day,  while  the  work- 
men were  at  rest,  and  offer  up  his  devotions  to  the  Almighty 
Maker  and  Father  of  the  Universe. 

Here  the  M.  R.  M.  gives  a  lap  and  the  brethren  rise- 
The  M.  C.  leads  the  candidate  to  the  altar. 

M.  R.  M. — He  approached  the  altar  and  humbly  upon  his 
knees  said  : 

"  Almighty  Maker  and  Father  of  the  Universe,  Thou  art 
the  only  true  and  overliving  God  and  Creator  of  all  that 
exists,  enlighten  my  mind  with  true  knowledge  and  wisdom; 
let  charity,  love  to  fellow- men,  and  to  Thee,  prevail  in  my 
heart ;  and  give  me  strength  of  body  and  of  mind  so  to  per- 
form the  work  Thou  hast  appointed,  in  accordance  with  Thy 
will,  Grant  that  the  workmen  u[)on  this  Thy  house  may 
humbly  look  to  Thee  for  guidance  in  the  ways  of  virtue  and 
of  knowledge,  and  that  they  may  see  and  understand  that 
the  heart  of  man  is  the  only  true  and  acceptable  temple  for 
the  worship  and  glory  of  Thee-     Amen,  amen,  amen." 

When  he  had  so  prayed,  he  rose  and  took  his  way 
towards  the  door  at  the  South- 

The  M.'.  C-.    leads  the   candidate   to  the  South,  and  the 


75 

2d  Surv.".  seizes  him  by  the  throat  with  his  left 
han:3,  holding  the  Rule  in  his  right,  when  the  M/.  R--.  M-*, 
says  : 

M.  E-  M. — But  there  he  met  with  a  Fellow  Craft,  armed 
with  a'ruler,  who  seized  him  by  the  throat  and  said  : 

2d  SuRV. — Give  me  the  Master's  grip. 

Candidate. — I  cannot  give  it  except  in  presence  of  Solo- 
mon and  the  King  of  Tyre- 
'2d  SuRv. — Give  me  the  Master's  grip. 

Candidate. — I  cannot. 

2d  SuRV. — Give  me  the  Master's  grip. 
Candidate. — I  cannot. 

The  2d  Surv.-.  then  rudely  but  lightly  strikes  the  candi- 
date upon  the  side  of  the  neck  with  the  ruler. 

M.  R,  M — Being  so  abused  and  struck  at  the  South, 
Hiram  staggered  back  and  proceeded  to  the  door  at  the 
AV^est. 

While  this  is  being  said  the  M.-.  C.-.  leads  the  candidate 
to  the  West,  and  the  1st  Surv.-.  seizes  him  at  the  breast 
with  the  left  hand,  holding  the  open  compasses  in  his  right. 

M.  R.  M. — But  there  again  he  met  another  Fellow  Craft, 
armed  with  the  Compasses,  who  seized  him  by  the  breast, 
and  said  : 

1st  Surv — Give  me  the  M.-.  M-.-  grip  and  word  ? 

Candidate — I  cannot  give  it  except  in  the  presence  of 
King  Solomon  and  the  King  of  Tyre- 

1st  Surv. — Give  me  the  M.-.  M.-.  grip  and  word. 

Candidate. — I  cannot. 

1st  Surv. — Give  me  the  M.*,  M.-.  grip  and  word- 

Candidate. — I  cannot. 

Then  the  1st  Surv.-.  roughly  but  harmlessly  strikes  him 
upon  the  bare  breast  with  a  point  of  the  compasses. 


76 

M.  R.  M. — Weak  and  fainting  from  the  blow,  Hiram 
endeavored  to  escape  by  the  door  at  the  East. 

While  this  is  being  said  the  M.-.  C.-.  leads  the  candidate 
to  the  East,  and  the  M/.  R.'.  M.-.  teizes  him  by  the  chest 
and  says : 

M.  R.  M — Give  me  the  Masters'  Sacred  Word. 

Candidate. — I  cannot  give  it  save  in  the  presence  of  King 
Solomon,  Iliram  and  the  King  of  Tyre. 

M.  R-  M.— Give  it  to  me? 

Candidate. — I  cannot. 

M.  R.  M. — Give  it  to  me,  I  say  ? 

Candidate. — I  cannot. 

Then  the  M.".  11.-.  M.-.  strikes  him  upon  the  forehead 
with  his  stuffed  maul,  when  two  Brothers  seize  him  and  lay 
him  in  a  coffin,  Avhicli  had  been  concealed  from  the  candi- 
date's sight-  A  pall  is  spread  over  so  as  not  to  obstruct  his 
breathing,  and  the  coffin  removed  to  the  corner  of  the  Lodge, 
at  the  2d  Surv's  left  hand.  The  small  silver  square  is 
removed  from  his  arm  and  placed  upon  his  breast,  and  a 
branch  of  Acacia  is  placed  to  stand  at  the  head,  or  thrown 
upon  the  pall.  In  the  mean  lime  all  leave  the  Lodge, 
except  the  officers,  and  after  an  apparent  consultation  they 
also  leave,  having  a  care  to  shut  the  door. 

In  a  few  seconds  the  officers  return  and  light  the  Lodge, 
to  the  fullest  extent.     The  M.-.  R.*.  M.-.  goes  to  his  seat. 

M.  R.  M — {Rap,)  Bro.-.  Exp.-.,  will  you  ring  the  bell 
that  the  workmen  may  be  called  from  refreshment  and  rest. 

The  Expert  rings  the  bell,  which  is  placed  between  West 
and  South.  The  BB,*,  come  in,  but  instead  of  going  to 
their  respective  seats,  they  assemble  in  small  groups  at 
various  points  and  seem  anxious  to  communicate  something 
mysterious  to  each  other,  soon  the  M.  R.  M.  says  : 


77 

M.  R.  M. — Bro,'-  Expert,  the  laborers  have  been  called 
to  work  and  the  hour  is  passed,  and  yet  our  Grand  Master 
has  not  appeared.  'Tis  exceeding  strange,  and  wo  fear  he 
has  been  detained  by  some  serious  accident.  Will  you  try 
and  ascertain  the  cause  of  his  absence  ? 

The  Expert  leaves  the  altar,  travels  from  East  to  South 
and  West,  leaves  the  Lodge  for  a  few  seconds,  returns  to 
the  altar  and  says  ; 

Expert. — M.-.  R.*.,  M:.  after  diligent  search  and  inquiry 
in  every  direction,  I  have  only  been  enabled  to  learn  this 
much : 

Our  Grand  il/aster  was  seen  to  enter  the  Temple  at  mid- 
day, as  was  his  custom,  for  devotion,  but  from  that  moment 
all  trace  of  him  is  lost-  As  I  was  cautiously  returning,  I 
heard  a  voice  at  the  South,  which  said  : 

2d  SuRV. — Oh !  would  to  God  that  my  throat  had  been 
cut  across  and  my  tongue  torn  out  by  the  roots,  ere  I  had 
been  accessory  to  the  death  of  so  good  a  man  as  our  Grand 
Master,  Hiram  ! 

Expert — Immediately  hereafter  I  heard  a  voice  in  the 
West,  which  said  ; 

1st  SuRV. — Oh  !  would  to  God  that  my  heart  had  been 
torn  from  my  breast  and  thrown  to  beasts  of  prey,  ere  I  had 
conspired  to  take  the  life  of  so  good  a  man  as  our  Grand 
Master,  Hiram ! 

Expert — And  I  heard  a  lamentable  voice  from  the  East, 
which  said : 

M.*.  R. '.  M.'. — Oh  !  great  is  my  sorrow  ! — Would  to  God 
that  my  body  had  been  severed  into  two  parts,  my  bowels 
torn  out  and  burned,  and  the  ashes  scattered  to  the  winds 
of  Heaven,  ere  I  had  given  the  fatal  blow  to  our  Grand 
J/aster,  Hiram ! 


78 

Immediately  eleven  Brethern  (if  not  convenient  a  less 
number,)  with  the  M.*.  C-'.  at  their  head,  arrange  them- 
selves in  a  semi-circle  about  the  steps  at  the  East,  with  their 
heads  cast  mournfully  down,  when  the  M-*.  C/.  says: 

M.  C. — M-*.  11.-.  M.-.,  we  can  no  longer  withstand  the 
shame  and  remorse  with  which  we  are  oppressed.  We 
have  committed  a  grievous  wrong  and  nrc  heartily  sorry. 
As  the  Temple  is  near  being  finished,  we  wickedly  and 
foolishly  conspired  to  possess  ourselves  by  force  of  the 
Master's  secret,  sign,  words  and  grip,  that  we  might  here- 
after enjoy  the  benefits  and  privileges  of  the  mastership, 
without  being  subjected  to  the  rcquiremens  and  trials 
exacted  of  candidates.  Our  better  judgment  prevailed,  and 
we  withdrew  from  the  horrible  conspirac}^  aivl  do  now 
humbly  confess  our  great  wrung.  We  fear  that  our  Grand 
il/aster  has  fallen  a  victim  to  our  wicked  designs  at  the 
hands  of  three  Fellow  Crafts,  who  are  now  strangely  absent. 

if,  R.  M.— Who  arc  tliey  ? 

M.  C. — Jubela,  Jubelo  and  Jubelum. 

M.  Pv,  M — Our  Grand  il/aster  has  undoubtedl}^  been 
murderel  by  them.  Let  justice  have  its  full  course  with 
them,  As  for  us  wo  have  a  solemn  duty  to  perform,  in 
searching  for  and  paying  the  last  snd  honors  to  the  lemains 
of  our  beloved  Grand  if/aster. 

The  31:.  R.*.  M.-.  takes  a  position  at  the  foot  of  the  steps 
to  the  East,  with  his  face  to  the  East;  the  1st  Surv.".  takes 
position  at  his  left  and  the  2d  Surv."  at  his  right.  The 
M:.  C*.  arranges  all  the  Brethren  present  in  three  columns, 
behind  the  three  oflicers,  with  their  faces  to  the  East. 

M.  R-  M. — Bro.-.  2d  Surv,*.,  proceed  with  your  column 
to  the  North  and  West  and  make  diligent  search. 

The  2d  Surv-*.   leads  his  column  to   the  left,  passing  by 


79 

the  head  of  the  other  columns,  and  when  he  reaches  the 
coffin,  he  picks  up  a  sprig  of  Acacia  and  says  : 

2d  SuRv. — Brothers,  the  earth  has  recently  been  dis- 
turbed here,  let  us  examine  closely. 

He  raises  a  corner  of  the  pall,  takes  the  silver  square, 
measures  the  coflin  from  East  to  West,  replaces  the  square 
and  pall,  plants  the  bough  of  Acacia  by  the  head,  and 
returns  with  the  column- 

2d  SuRv — 31:.  R...  M.' ,  we  have  found  a  mound  of 
fresh  earth  not  far  hence,  having  the  appearance  of  a  stealthily 
made  grave,  measuring  full  six  feet  from  'East  to  West, 
where  we  planted  an  Acacia  bough  as  a  sign  of  recognition. 

31.  R.  31. — Bro.'.  1st  Surv,'.,  hasten  with  your  column 
and  make  further  observation  regarding  that  mound- 

The  1st  Surv.'.  leads  his  column  to  the  right,  goes  to  the 
South,  to  the  West,  and  then  to  the  coffin,  and  says  : 

1st  Surv. — Here  is  the  Acacia,  we  will  examine- 

Raises  a  corner  of  the  pall,  measures  from  North  to 
South  upon  the  coffin  with  the  silver  square;  replaces  it; 
places  a  sprig  of  Acacia  in  the  left  hand  of  ih^  candidate  ; 
places  his  right  hand  across  his  breast  so  that  a  right  angle 
ma}^  be  formed  at  the  elbow,  and  between  the  thumb  and 
forefinger  replaces  the  pall,  and  returns  with  his  column  by 
the  North,  and  takes  his  position  at  the  M/.  R.-  M's,'.  left 
hand,  and  says : 

1st  Surv. — We  found  the  spot  marked  by  the  Acacia, 
and  an  excavation  six  feet  from  North  to  South ;  exposed 
a  corpse,  and  presuming  it  to  be  that  of  our  Grand  Master, 
Hiram  Abif,  we  placed  a  branch  of  Acacia  in  his  left  hand 
as  a  sign  of  recognition, 

M.  R-  31. — That  is  undoubtedly  the  corpse  of  our  Grand 
Master,  let  us  put  on   our  aprons  and  endeavor  to  raise  it 


80 

from  its  bed  of  violence. 

The  three  columns  start  together,  march  to  tlie  right,  ami 
proceed  from  South  to  West,  then  to  the  coffin,  marching 
slowly  twice  around  it.  The  M.-.  ll.\  M--.  standing  at  the 
foot,  takes  the  sprig  of  Acacia  from  tho  candidate's  hands, 
and  says : 

M.  R.  M. — Behold  the  Acacia !  From  death  comes  life 
eternal !  This  is  a  true  sign  our  Grand  Masters  remains 
lie  smouldering  herc- 

Thc  M/.  Li.\  M.'.  then  removes  the  pall,  and  with  the 
silver  square  measures  the  depth  of  the  coffin,  and  exclaims 

M.  R.  M.— Six  feet  in  depth. 

He  then  examines  the  corpse,  stands  erect,  raises  both 
hands,  so  as  to  form  a  right  angle  at  the  elbow,  then  inter- 
laces the  fingers  of  both  hands,  palms  turned  outwards, 
passing  the  back  of  his  hands  against  his  forehead  and 
exclaims : 

M.  R.  M. — Oh  Lord  !  Oh  Lord  !  {keeping  the  fingers 
interlaced  he  will  let  the  hands  fall  to  the  navel.)  This  is 
indeed  the  corpse  of  our  Grand  Master.  Let  us  try  to  lift 
it  out. 

The  2d  Surv.-.,  giving  the  candidate  the  Apprentice  grip, 
drops  the  candidate's  hand,  and  says  : 

2d  Surv. — Boaz !    the  skin  cleaves  from  the  bones. 

The  1st  Surv.'-  then  gives  the  Fellow  Craft  grip,  lets  his 
hand  drop  and  says  '. 

1st  Surv, — Jachin!  The  flesh  is  corrupted  and  putrified 
to  the  bones. 

M.  R.  M. — Hold,  Brothers  !  Do  you  not  see  that  it  is 
only  by  united  eiDforts  that  we  can  succeed  ? 

The  2d  Surv.-.  stands  at  the  left,  the  1st  Surv--.  at  the 
head,  the  M.-.  R.-.  M.-.  at  the  right,  and  says ; 


81 

M.  R.  M, — We  will  try  the  Master's  grip. 

Gives  him  the  Master's  grip.  All  seize  hold  and  raise 
him  carefully  from  the  coffin,   the  M/.  R.-.  M.'t   exclaims  : 

M.R.M. — M !  this  is  the  son  of  putrifaction 

The  M.-.  R.-.  M-'.  gives  him  the  five  points  thus: — places 
his  right  foot  and  knee  a,<,^ainst  the  Candidate's  right  foot 
and  knee,  breast  to  breast,  left  hands  embracing  the  person 
over  the  right  shoulder,  mouth  to  ear.  The  M.*.  R.*.  M.-. 
says  to  the  Candidate  :  "  I  will  now  give  you  the  sacred 
word,  it  is  never  to  be  communicated  except  in  this  manner, 
(gives  him  the  word  M.-.)  These  are  called  the  five  points  of 
perfection  :  Hand  to  hand  means  that  we  are  bound  to  serve 
each  other;  knee  to  knee  that  we  profess  one  common 
belief,  the  unity  of  God ;  foot  to  foot  that  we  will  walk 
together  as  Brethren  in  the  path  of  truth  and  justice ;  hand 
to  back  that  we  will  never  revile  a  brother  behind  his  back, 
but  rather  support  and  defend  him ;  breast  to  breast  that 
we  will  preserve  our  secrets  inviolate,  lest  in  an  unguarded 
moment  we  betray  the  solemn  trust  confided  to  our  honor,. 

All  resume  their  seats,  the  Mi».  C«*.  giving  the  candidate 
a  seat  behind  the  altar.  The  M.-.  R.*-  M.».  may  then  give 
an  account  of  the  Egyptian  mysteries. 

M.  Rs  M. — In  the  Ancient  mysteries  of  Isis,  celebrated 
by  the  Egyptians,  the  candidate  to  the  Third  Degree  was 
introduced  into  a  hall ;  over  its  door  was  written  ;  "  These 
are  the  Gates  of  Death."  Coffins  and  mummies  stood  in 
niches  around  the  walls,  and  near  the  entrance  a  naked 
recent  corpse  was  lying.  In  the  centre  was  the  tomb  of 
Osiris,  presenting  many  spots  of  fresh  blood,  indicative  of  a 
violent  death-  The  candidate  was  asked  if  he  had  partici- 
pated in  that  murder-     The  many  years  which  have  elapsed 

since  the  death  of  Osiris  w^ould  render  the  question  absurd, 

11 


82 

unless  asked  in  the  sense  of  an  allegory-  The  candidate 
was  then  conducted  to  another  hall,  whore  he  met  with  the 
initiated,  all  clotiied  in  funeral  black-  A  crown  was  pre- 
sented to  him  which  he  stamped  beneath  his  feet,  and  all 
exclaimed,  -'Vengeance,  vengeance,  vengeance."  The  can- 
didate was  slightly  struck  ujiou  the  head  with  a  sacrificial 
ax;  he  was  then  seized  and  bandaged  like  a  mummy,  while 
the  spectator  exhibited  great  sorrow  and  regret-  When 
thus  clothed  as  for  the  grave,  he  was  arraigned  before  a 
dread  tribunal,  for  the  murder  of  Usiris,  tried  and  acquitted. 
On  attaining  his  liberty,  he  was  instructed  in  Egyptian 
Geography  and  Astronomy.  The  sign  of  recognition  con- 
sisted in  an  embrace,  which  symbolized  a  belief  in  the  res. 
urrection  of  the  dead  and  the  reproduction  of  life  by  death. 
We  thus  have  a  complete  sketch  of  the  Egyptian  initiation, 
and  you  will  not  fail  to  observe  the  close  resemblance 
between  it  and  the  one  through  which  you  have  just  passed- 
Indeed,  there  can  be  no  question  that  our  ideas  of  Masonry 
have  come  to  us  from  the  Egyptians.  The  legend  has  been 
changed  to  the  period  of  King  Solomon-  We  do  not  know 
whether  it  was  done  by  him  or  at  a  more  recent  period- 
He  may  have  embodied  in  the  legend  circumstances  con- 
nected with  the  period  of  his  reign,  for  the  purpose  of  com. 
memoration,  as  did  Isis  in  honor  of  her  slaughtered  husband 
Osiris. 

The  spirit  and  intent  of  the  initiation  is  plainly  derived 
from  the  ancient  Egyptian  mysteries,  and  if  it  is  indebted 
to  Solomon  for  its  traditional  historical  readings,  he  certainly 
could  have  had  but  one  object  in  view  in  rendering  it  more 
acceptable  to  his  people  by  engrafting  upon  the  original  and 
prevailing  idea  of  the  mystic  art,  ceremonies  commemora- 
tive of  events    which    had    proved   most  gratifying  to  the 


83 

national  pride    of  a  people    who   believed    themselves   the 
chosen  of  God. 

In  considering  the  more  reasonable  hypothesis,  the  ndop- 
tion  at  a  more  recent  period  of  the  legend,  founded  upon 
incidents  recorded  in  Jewish  history,  and  more  particularly 
concerning  the  erection  of  Solomon's  Temple  at  Jeruzalem, 
as  given  to  us  in  the  sacred  writings,  for  the  purpose  of- 
allaying  the  bitter  persecutions  by  which  the  institution  had 
suffered  most  severely  at  the  hands  of  the  Papal  power 
which  had  yielded  to  the  intolerance  of  a  bigotry  unsur- 
passed in  malignity. 

No  other  rational  suppositions  have  ever  been  presented 
regarding  the  original  adoption  of  the  historical  part  of  the 
Third  Degree,  either  of  which  precludes  the  very  idea  of 
its  original  design  for  the  propagation  of  any  religious  creed 
whatsoever.  It  is  thus  that  the  Ancient  and  Accepted 
Scotch  Rite  finds  its  peculiar  mission  to  be  the  preservation, 
in  all  its  ancient  integrity,  of  a  purely  philosophical  institu- 
tion, as  handed  down  to  us  by  our  forefathers. 

The  Third  Degree  is  plainly  intended  to  remind  us  by 
impressive  ceremonies  of  the  great  law  of  our  physical 
being,  that  we  must  all  pass  through  the  gates  of  death  in 
our  journeying  to  the  higher  life,  and  that  all  there  is  of 
earth  in  our  organization  must  return  to  its  original  ele- 
ments, supplying  nutriment  and  material  for  successive 
generations  of  vegetable  and  animal  organizations.  Thus 
much  for  its  elucidation  of  physical  law*  It  also  tells  of 
our  higher  obligations.  Love  to  God  and  love  to  fellow- 
men.  In  the  poor  widow's  son,  born  to  the  lowly  condition 
of  a  servant  and  subject,  rising  to  an  honorable  association 
with  Kings,  the  wisest  and  most  learned,  we  have  an  ex- 
ample fraught  with  the  beauty   of  simplicity,  showing  the 


84 

reward  which  awaits  honest,  unpretending  industry.  When 
admitted  to  the  confidence  of  the  two  most  mighty  Kings 
upon  earth,  Iliram,  the  personification  of  Truth,  Fidelity 
and  Justice,  was  waylaid  by  Falsehood,  Deceit  and  Violence 
in  the  form  of  three  assassins,  Jubela,  Jubelo  and  Jubclum 
and  although  oast  down  and  crushed  to  earth,  Truth  rises 
triumphant  by  the  five  points  of  iierfection,  and  is  cherished 
through  time  by  a  brotherhood  unsurpassed  in  all  that  is 
honorable  and  true  to  manhood.  We  here  see  Truth, 
Fidelity  and  Justice  portrayed  as  the  elements  of  love  to 
God  and  love  to  man,  mode  the  chief  corner  stone  in  that 
Temple,  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 

In  the  ceremonies  you  were  struck  upon  the  neck,  heart 
and  head,  the  parts  where  the  vital  forces  are  most  readily 
reached,  teaching  us  the  necessity  of  exercising  constant 
restraint  upon  the  tongue  as  the  utterer  of  falsehood,  upon 
the  heart  as  the  source  of  deceit,  the  parent  of  falsehood, 
and  upon  the  head  which  gives  direction  and  power  to  those 
active  enemies  of  Truth. 

Your  descent  into  a  coflia  and  rising  therefrom,  marks 
the  great  metamorphosis  when  all  tliat  is  mortal  of  man 
returns  to  mother  earth,  and  the  immortal  soars  to  realms 
unknown.  So  it  becomes  the^  Neophyte  on  being  raised  to 
this  degree  to  endeavor  to  force  the  crude  materials  of  his 
nature  into  subjection  and  to  rise  superior  to  the  infirmities 
of  flesh  and  the  world. 

The  Acacia  which  hung  over  your  symbolic  grave  is  an 
emblem  coeval  with  the  institution  of  Freemasonry,  and  is 
of  unknown  antiquit3\ 

Some  attribute  its  adoption  as  a  funeral  bough,  in  signi- 
fication of  the  resurrection  to  Solomon.  We  read  that  the 
disciples    of  Zoroaster    had  their    mysteries    bough;  the 


85 

Egyptians  their  Lotus ;  the  Eleusiaians  their  Myrtle,  and 
the  Druids  their  Mistletoe.  The  Acacia  was  a  well  known 
symbol  among  the  Arabians  of  fraternity  and  alliance,  and 
has  ever  b6en  so  considered  by  the  Mahomedans.  There 
is,  therefore,  little  or  no  question  but  that  the  symbol 
comes  to  us  from  the  Masons  of  the  desert,  the  Arabs.  We 
have  other  conclusive  evidence  of  the  signification  of  the 
symbol  in  the  circumstance  that  the  *-sign  of  distress,"  the 
"call  for  help"  and  the  sprig  of  Acacia  are  made  concomi- 
tant and  appeal  to  Fraternal  Alliance,  disconnected  from 
allusion  to  death  on  a  future  state- 

Bro.-.  M.'.  C..',  permit  our   brother  to  resume  his   dress. 

The  M,-.  C.'.  will  lead  the  candidate  out  and  return  as 
soon  as  possible,  present  him  to  the  1st  Surv--.  who  will 
cause  him  to  reach  as  a  Fellow  Craft  as  far  as  the  altar. 
The  M.".  R.-.  M.'.  then  applies  the  point  of  the  Compasses 
to  the  Candidate's  breast,  giving  five  raps  upon  the  point 
with  his  gavel,  saying : 

M.  R.  M — Learn  so  to  control  the  feelings  of  your  heart, 
and  restrain  the  evil  passions  as  to  be  most  hurtful  to  man- 
kind and  to  yourself 

Extending  the  sword  over  his  head,  sa3^s  : 

In  the  name  of  the  G.\  A-  .  0:.  T.'  U.-.,  under  authority 
of  the  Supreme  Council  of  the  Ancient  and  Accepted 
Scotch  Rite  of  Freemasonry,  in  and  for  the  Sovereign  and 
Independent  State  of  Louisiana,  and  by  virtue  of  powers 
on  me  conferred,  I  do  hereby  make  and  constitute  ycu  a 
Master  Mason,  and  declare  you  an  active  member  of  Hhe 
R.*.  Lodge,  (name  and  number.) 

The  M.'.  R.'.  M.'.  then  gives  seven  raps  with  his  gavel 
upon  the  blade  of  his  sword,  and  resumes  his  seat. 

M.  R.  M — Bro.'.  M/.  C.".,  please  conduct  brother  (name,) 


86 

to  the  East  for  secret  instructions. 

The  M.'.  C/.  gives  the  candidate  a  seat  near  the  2d 
Surv.-,,  and  the  M.'.  K-'.  M."-  standing  near,  says  : 

M.  R.  M. — When  you  Avish  to  enter  a  3/aster  J/ason's 
Lodge  you  must  rap  thus,  [shows  liim.)  The  Inside  Senti- 
nel will  return  the  rap,  open  the  wicket  and  ask  you  the 
"  word  of  pass"  which  you  will  divide  witli  him  thus,  {telh 
him  tJie  U'ord  and  h(,ic  to  \^ixc.  it.)  When  admitted  you 
will  approach  the  altar  on  these  steps,  [shows  him  how  to 
execute  the  Master's  stcj)s-)  Tiicy  indicate  the  respect  due 
to  graves.  You  will  then  i^ive  the  il/aster's  sign  to  the 
Fi'dst  thus,  [shows  him ;)  face  to  the  left  and  repeat  to  the 
1st  ISurv.-.,  face  about  to  the  right  and  i:ivc  the  same  sign 
to  the  2d  Surv,-.  and  take  a  seat  near  to  the  balustrade. 

The    grip    was    given  with  the  five  points  of  perfection. 

The  sign  of  distress  must  be  given  only  in  case  of  ex- 
treme peril ;  this  is  it,  [shoivs  him.) 

The  battery  is  given  thus,  and  your    iige   as  a   il/aster 

years.     When     asked   by   a   competent   person    "If 

you  are  a  Master  Mason?" — you  will   answer, — "  the 

is  known  to  me." 

The  Compasses  and  the  carpenter's  plane  arc  implements 
peculiar  to  this  degree-  The  i)lane  indicates  to  the  accom- 
plished workman  that  constant  cllbrts  are  required  in 
removing  the  asperities  of  lite,  that  he  may  be  the  better 
prepared  to  reciprocate  the  amenities  of  social  and  ])rofes 
sional  intercourse,  thereby  reflecting  honor  upon  himself  and 
upon  his  fraternal  associates. 

Bro.-.  M.'.  C.'.,  please  conduct  Brother,  (name,)  to  the 
West  for  examination  in  our  secret  instructions. 

The  1st  Surv.'.  examines  the  candidate  regarding  the 
sign,  words,  grip  and  steps- 


87 

1st  SuRV. — M.-.  R.-.   M.\,  the  instructions  are  correct. 

M.  R.  M.— Bro.-.  M.-.  C'-,  please  give  Bro.* a  seat 

in  the  East,  and  make  the  usual  proclamation. 

M.  C — Be  it  known  to  all  within  the  Union  Cord,  that 
Bro  •.  has  been  raised  to  the  Master  Mason's  degree  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  customs  and  statutes  of  the  Ancient  and 
Accepted  Scotch  Rite  of  Freemasonry,  and  admitted  as  an 
active  member  of  the  R---   Lodge,    (name  and  number,)  in 

the  city  of  -, under  the   authority   of  the   Supreme 

Council  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Inspectors  General  of  the 
33d  Degree,  for  the  State  of  Louisiana,  and  ithe  Fraternity 
is  invited  to  receive  and  protect  him  accordingly. 

The  concluding  ceremonies  are  similar  to  those  in  the 
preceeding^egrees.  Each  degree  has  its  peculiar  sign  and 
battery.  TJIffLodge  mnst  be  closed  in  the  3d,  then  in  the 
2d  and  finally  in  the  1st  Degree. 


LECTURE  ON  THE  THIRD  DEGREE. 

.^I.  }\.  !M. — M.-.  Veil.-.  Bro.-.  1st  Surv.-.,   are  yoa  a    Master  Mason? 

M.  y.  1st  Surv. — M/.  I'csp.'.  M.-.,  I  am,  try  inf".  tlic  Acacia  is  known 
to  uic. 

Q. — W'liat  docs  the  Acacia  syiubolize  i* 

A. — The  Acacia  by  its  nature  is  a  symbol  of  Fieomasonry;  as  a  vood 
it  is  incorruptible; — by  its  bark,  it  presents  an  impenetrable  shield  to  all 
mischievous  insects,  r.nd  by  its  leaves,  which  inclosed  during  the  night 
and  before  sun  rising,  are  again  opened  whilst  the  sun  conies  nearer  to 
Zenith. 

So  with  Frecmasoor}-.  It  cannot  be  perverted  by  preposterous  innova- 
tions; it  offers  an  indestructible  barrier  to  intolcran^^fanaticism  and 
tyranny;  and  its  disciples,  blindfolded  in  the  first  degrc7,  come  nearer  to 
the  great  light,  whilst  they  proceed  to  the  Eighteenth  and  Thirtieth 
Degrees. 

Q. — Where  were  you  initiated  to  the  Degree  of  Master  Mason. 

A. — In  the  Sanctum  Sanctorum  or  Holy  of  Holies. 

Q. — What  did  you  see  on  entering? 

A. — Mourning  and  consternation,  in  rcmcnibrance  of  a  sad  and  calami- 
tous event. 

Q. — What  was  that  event  ? 

A. — The  death  of  the  Master,  Hiram  Abif,  wlio  had  been  murdered 
by  three  companions. 

Q. — Is  that  murder  a  real  and  true  fact  ? 

A — It  is  viewed  by  Scotch  Freema.sons  as  a  legend. 

Q. — What  is  the  meaning  cf  such  a  fiction  ? 

A. — Hiram  Abif  represents  Justice  and  Truth  ;  and  the  three  com- 
panions, Jubcla,  Jubclo  and  Jubeluni, — Ignorance,  Hypocrisy  and 
Ambition. 

Q. — How  were  you  then  disposed  of  ? 


89 

A. — Bro.-.  Expert  took  me  by  a  coffin  and  requested  me  to  saywhether 
I  had  participated  in  the  death  of  the  person,  there  lying. 

Q. — What  did  you  answer  ? 

A. — I  answered,  no. 

Q. — What  was  the  meaning  of  such  a  question,  and  of  the  sight 
offered  to  your  eyes  ? 

A. — To  impress  on  my  mind  that  no  man  has  the  right  to  make  an 
attempt  upon  the  life  of  his  fellow-beings,  and  that  in  the  third  degree 
mysteries  of  death  should  be  fully  illustrated  and  explained. 

Q. — What  next  was  made  to  you  ? 

A. — I  had  to  make  three  voyages. 

Q. — What  is  the  philosophical  or  symbolic  meaning  of  these  three 
voyages  ? 

A. — That  there  are  three  distinct  periods  in  the  human  life — Youth, 
Manhood  and  Senility.  During  the  first  period  we  are  all  apprentices 
and  know  very  little; — during  the  second,  man  becomes  the  companion  of 
all  reasonable  beings,  made  by  the  Grand  Architect  of  the  Universe  after 
his  own  image; — and  finally  during  the  third,  man  is  the  great  Master  of 
Life,  since  he  knows  all  its  sufferings  and  pleasures,  and  being  taught  by 
experience  he  fully  understands  the  necessity  and  reasons  of  death, 

Q  — How  were  you  disposed  of  after  these  three  voyages  ? 

A. — I  was  requested  to  take  the  sjlemn  obligation  of  the  Master 
Mason. 

Q. — Can  you  give  me  a  proof  that  you  remember  your  promise  ? 

A. — I  can,  by  giving  yon  the  sign  of  the  Third  Degree. 

Q.— Give  it. 

Q, — (He  gives  the  sign.) 

Q  — What  does  it  mean  ? 

A. — That  I  should  rather  have  my  body  severed  in  two  than  to  violate 

the  promise  I  made  not  only  to  keep  silent  about  all  secrets  of  the  Third 

Degree,  but  also  never  to  harm  or  injure  the  wife,  daughter,  sister  or 

mother  of  a  brother  Mason. 

Q. — Do  you  know  another  sign  ? 

12 


90 

A.— I  do. 
Q.— What  is  it  ? 

A.. — The  sign  of  horror,  vrhich  was  made  when  the  pall,  thrown  over 
the  corpse  of  Hiram  Abif,  was  taken  away. 
Q.— Make  it. 
A- — (The  sign  is  made.) 

Q  —What  is  the  pass  word  of  the  Third  Degree  ? 
A. — (The  pas.s  word  is  given.) 
Q. — What  is  the  sacred  word  ? 

A  — I  am  ready  to  give  it  in  a  proper  way.  I  have  first  to  give  the 
five  points  of  perfection. 

Q. — What  are  the  five  point»  of  perfection  ? 

A. — Hand  to  Hand,  to  show  that  we  are  united  as  two  brothers — Foot 
to  Foot,  to  indicate  that,  whatever  may  be  the  distance  separating  two 
Freemasons,  they  are  bound  to  run  to  the  assistance  of  each  other — Knee 
to  Knee,  to  remember  us  that  we  have  a  common  creed,  the  belief  in  a 
Grand  Architect  of  the  Universe,  and  furthermore,  should  we  kneel 
before  God,  we  never  kneel  as  Freemasons  in  presence  of  any  man — Breast 
to  Breast,  that  we  ought  to  bury  in  our  bosom  all  secrets  instructed  to  us 
by  a  brother — Left  hand  on  the  right  shoulder,  that  it  is  our  duty  never  to 
permit  a  brother  to  be  slandered  when  absent,  and  that,  on  the  contrary, 
we  ought  to  defend  and  protect  his  reputation. 
Q. — What  is  your  age  as  a  Master  Mason  ? 

A. — Seven  years  and  more.  Seven  because  that  number  is  required 
to  have  a  just  and  perfect  Lodge  ;  and  more,  because  I  am  now  familiar 
with  all  secrets  and  mysteries  of  the  Ancient  and  Accepted  Scotch  Rite 
of  Freemasonry. 

Q. — Should  your  life  be  in  a  great  danger  what  should  you  do  ? 
A. — The  sign  of  distress. 
Q.— Give  it. 

Q. — The  sign  of  distress  is  given  with  the  words  "To  me,  the 
Widow's  sous  I" 


FUNEUAL    SEKVICE 


Lodge  room  liung  in  black,  skulls,  cross  bones,  tears,  flowers,  etc. 

Coffiu  in  the  centre.  If  he  was  a  Master  the  feet  are  turned  to  the 
South;  if  a  11.-.  f  feet  are  to  the  West.  His  jewels,  apron  and  tools  are 
placed  symmetrically  ou  the  Coffin. 

EMBLEMS  ON  THE  CENOTAPH. 

1.  All  seeing  eye,  surrounded  by  a  serpent;  2.  Skull  from  which 
butterfly  seems  to  take  its  flight ,  3,  A  reversed  torch  held  by  an 
Angel. 


OTHER  EMBLEMS. 


1.  A  tripod  of  burning  flame;  2.  A  basket  of  flowers  ;  3.  The  banner 
of  the  Lodge,  hung  or  covered  with  crape. 


OTHER  EMBLEMS  ON  THE  ALTAR. 

1.  A  pot  of  incense;  2.  Vase  of  water;  3.  Vase  of  wine;  4.  Vase 
of  milk. 


CEREMONIES. 


The  Ven.-.  M.*.  opens  the  Lodge  in  the  usual  form,  except  the  Battery 
which  is  muffled  and  accompanied  by  the  words — Mourn  !  Mourn  ! 
Mourn  ! 


•     92 

The  visitors  ore  tbcu  admitted.  The  Yen.-.  M.\  pronounces  a  dis- 
course relative  to  the  occasion,  the  ceremony  and  the  merits  of  the 
deceased. 

Yes.  M. — Bro'-.  IstSurv.-.,  where  is  our  Brother  N  y 

A. — He  wanders  iu  darkness. 

M. — Can  we  withdraw  him  from  that  darkness? 

A  — The  regions  to  wliich  lie  has  gone  are  unknown  to  us. 

M. — Will  he  not  be  restored  to  light  ? 

A. — The  Grand  Architect  of  the  Universe  towards  whom  his  soul  has 
taken  its  flight,  and  by  whom  alone  it  is  guided,  will  lead  him  to  the 
Temple  of  eternal  Light  and  Truth. 

M. — What  is  our  duty  towards  the  mortal  remains  of  our  Brother  ? 

A.  — Hjs  body  is  due  to  the  earth,  from  which  it  was  taken,  and  unto 
the  earth,  passively  and  reverently,  must  we  restore  it,  couliding  in  the 
wisdom  and  mercy  of  the  G.-.  A.-. 

M. — Have  wc  then  lost  our  Brother  forever? 

A. — llis  visible  body  loaves  us,  but  bis  name,  his  memory  and  his  mind 
will  be  with  us,  time  without  end. 

M. — Bro.-.  Secrc/ary,  inscribe  ou  the  record  of  this  11.-.  Lodge  that  on 

the day  of  A.  D. N.-.   returned  unto  his  Creator,  and 

that  with  due  respect  hi.s  brothers  have  consigned  his  body  to  the  grave. 

M.— Bro.-.  1st  Surv.-.,  what  marks  of  honor  do  we  owe  our  deceased 
Brother  before  consigning  his  body  to  the  grave  ? 

A. «—The  symbols  of  Faith  in  his  regeneration,  which  arc  the  llowers 
we  place  on  the  altar. 

The  symbol  of  Strength  by  the  libation  of  Wine. 

The  symbol  of  Truth  aud  Purity  by  the  Water  of  Purification. 

The  syuibol  of  Imw.  vr  Amity  by  the  offering  of  3Iilk. 

The  symbol  of  Memorial  Piety  by  burning  Incense  on  the  Altar. 

M. — (  !  '.  !...and  all  the  BB.-.  rise.     Let  us  pray. 

Oh  !  Thou,  Grand  Architect  of  the  U.-.,  light  of  life,  in  Thee  do  all 
things  live  and  move  and  have  their  being.  Material  light  and  darkness 
unto  Thee  are  alike,  for  Thou  knowest  not  oaly  the   secrets   of  life,   but 


93    # 

also   those   of  death.     We   rely   on   Thy   infinite  and  eternal  presence. 
May  our  Bro.-.  N.-.  be  with  Thee  as  he  was  with  us,  ajid   may  his   death 
teach    us    to   prepare    ourselves  to  join  him  in  the  midst  of  the  host  of 
immortal  souls   which   dwell   with   Thee  and  behold  Thy  face.     Amen 
Amen  !  Amen ! 

Yen.-.  31.-.  descends,  and  after  lighting  the  flame  in  the   tripod,    says: 

Sovereign  Arbiter  of  Nature,  Thou  hast,  iu  Thy  wisdom,  caused  the 
cud  on  earth  of  our  brother,  and  Thou  hast  put  a  term  to  all  of  his  mis- 
fortunes and  sufferings.  Thou  hast  delivered  him  from  oppression  and 
hast  consoled  his  virtue.  Thine  infinite  power  and  wisdom  hath  disposed 
all  things  so  that  nothing  doth  perish,  and  so  that  our  souls  cannot  be 
annihilated  any  more  than  the  matter  in  which  they  dwell  on  earth.  We 
thank  Thee,  fervently,  for  the  conscientiousness  of  the  great  and  consoling 
truth  which  Thou  hast  made  so  evident,  that  we  may  calmly  see  the 
approach  of  death,  and  hope  while  wc  look  upon  this  Coffin. 

The  Yen.-.  M.-.  takes  a  candle,  and  says: 

Bro.*.  X.-.,  thy  brethren  call  thee,  answer  us  ! 

(After  the  call  the  Yen.-.  M.-.  extinguishes  the  light.)  This  is  re- 
peated several  times. 

M. — Our  brother  is  deaf  to  our  voices.  As  the  flame  of  this  candle 
he  was  full  of  life,  and  like  unto  it  he  gave  forth  light  among  us,  but  a 
breath  has  extinguished  it,  and  his  light  has  gone  to  the  source  of  all 
thought.  In  vain  do  we  call  him,  Let  us,  therefore,  proceed  to  render 
a  final  homage  unto  our  brother,  and  may  he,  in  the  regions  where  now 
he  dwells,  be  aware  of  our  affectionate  sentiments  and  sorrowing  accents. 

Master  and  Officrra  cast  flowers  on  the  Coffin,  and  Master  says  : 

Though  the  sombre  emblems  of  death  hang  upon  these  walls  and  sur- 
round this  Coffin,  though  we  weep,  this  departed  brother  and  behold  the 
decomposition  of  his  body,  let  these  flowers,  which  we  cast  upon  his 
grave,  remind  us  that  in  the  bosom  of  destruction  regeneration  begins, 
that  from  death  springeth  life  anew;  that  life  is  but  a  journey  in  the 
midst  of  eternity;  and  he  who  hath  lived  well  has  nothing  to  fear. 

Master  and  Officers  make  libation  of  TFi'ne,  and  Master  says  : 


•     94 
« 

May  the  strength  which  sprung  unto  form  and  body,  out  of  vegetable 
matter,  follow  and  return  with  our  brother  unto  the  Grand  Architect  of 
the  Universe,  and  continue  to  serve  the  purposes  of  omnipotence. 

Master  and  Oj^iccrs  pour  out   Water,  and  Master  sat/s: 

May  truth  of  spirit  and  purity  of  conscience  justify  this  brother  before 
the  all  seeing  eye,  and  may  he  stand  approved  by 'the  Grand  Architect 
who  gave  him  this  body  to  serve  the  designs  of  infinite  wisdom. 

Master  and  Officers  pour  out  Milk. 

M. — May  the  kindness  of  heart,  our  departed  brother  displayed  to  all 
men,  the  charity  of  hb  life,  give  him  a  title  to  the  boundless  mercy  and 
love  of  the  father  of  all. 

Master  and  Officers  hum  Incense. 

M. — May  the  soul  of  our  brother  ascend  to  the  throne  of  God  as  the 
sweet  perfumes  of  this  incense  rise  to  this  dome  or  roof,  and  may  the 
Grand  Architect  receive  him  in  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Heaven,  where 
none  but  the  just  can  be  admitted. 

M. — Brethren,  the  moment  has  arrived  when  we  must  follow  our  re- 
gretted brother  to  the  last  abode  of  the  body,  but  dispair  not,  as  do  those 
who  confound  their  existence  with  that  of  the  beasts  who  perish  in  dis- 
solution, for  the  mind  of  man,  which  is  the  image  and  breath  of  God 
himself,  is  one  and  indissoluble. 

The  procession  is  formed. 

Arrived  at  the  grave  the  Master  or  Orator  makes  an  appropriate  ex- 
hortation. 

The  Master  closes  the  tomb  while  the  brethren  cast  branches  of  Acacia 
or  evergreen  jnto  it  or  upon  it. 

When  the  tomb  has  been  closed  the  members  return  to  the  Lodge,  and 
it  is  closed. 


PUBLISHED  BY  AUTHORITY. 


LOUIS  DUFAU,  33d, 


Grand  Secretary, 


vji 


pH8.5 


